Brothers and sisters,

Christ is risen! Truly, he is risen! Alleluia!

Happy Easter to all our parishioners, families, and visitors. As we celebrate this joyous day, I encourage everyone to reflect on the unexpected “gardens” in your life. In the Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene is the first to arrive on that Sunday, even before sunrise. She notices the stone has been removed, and, without hesitation, returns to tell Peter and John. They run to the tomb to investigate, entering and finding the burial cloths—but Jesus is no longer there. The story continues as Mary lingers outside the tomb. Two angels ask her why she is weeping. She remains distraught, even after this encounter. Then the “Gardener” asks her again why she is weeping and, with greater understanding, adds, “Whom are you looking for?”

This “Gardener” is, of course, Jesus himself—and his question, “Whom are you looking for?” is asked of us, too. He is fittingly mistaken for a gardener, as he participated with the Father in creation. He gave the gift of life, and through his passion, death, and resurrection, has restored that gift to the fullest. Even when our faith wavers, he remains faithful to us.

So, where have you encountered Jesus in your garden? One of our most beautiful spaces in society is our cemeteries, often landscaped with wonderful trees and shrubs. During this spring-to-summer period, you will see families leaving cut flowers at the graves of loved ones. As Christians, we need not fear death and loss, for even in places of suffering, wounds, and hardships, we can find God’s grace and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Consider your practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving; from these seeds, the Lord grows flowers and fruit for us.

When you recognize the Lord, bask in the great gift of the Light of the World. Then, like Peter and John, “run” with zeal to tell others how the Lord has been good to you. Sharing your story may help others recognize encounters with Jesus in their own lives. Let us also recognize how the Lord has blessed us as a parish: 160 of our children and youth were confirmed by Bishop Parker during Lent, and 24 participated in the Sacraments at the Easter Vigil this weekend. Thank you, Lord, for these and countless other blessings!

Let’s continue celebrating this Easter season and, inspired by today’s message, contemplate our own encounters with Jesus. Embrace his presence, share your experiences with others, and continue to seek him with willing hearts, singing, “Alleluia!” for all that God has accomplished.