Faith and Mission

The Passion Story is our story too!

In the Christian tradition, the Passion Story is the short final period in the life of Jesus, ending with his crucifixion, death and resurrection. It is a story of the human Jesus, who experiences loneliness, burden, suffering and hope. The story is over 2,000 years old, but we see it repeated in our own lives and the lives of others. Stories of loss, stories of suffering and stories of hope. It is our life story. It is God’s story. It is a story that has transformed the world.

In our lives, we all experience times of loneliness. We all must take up burdens that are challenging to bear. We all have times when we must contend with things in our lives that go wrong. Times of pain and suffering to those we love and to ourselves.

 The Easter story. Although over 2000 years old, is played out in the lives of all people. But we cannot remain in these places of darkness. We must look to hope.

Hope comes in many shapes and forms. It can come as a fire within, that rekindles our spirit. Or the light of another person who comes to brighten the darkness of an uncertain path. We can find hope in our family, our friends and our community. In times of need, these are the people we lean on to find hope.

The darkest hour is just before the dawn, but dawn does come and a new day begins. For all of us. Our challenge is to recognize when those around us are going through hard times and be people of hope for them. To be a lantern flame, and lead them from darkness to the light.

This is the hope of Easter. The resurrection of Jesus brings for us a new hope, a new day, a new light, a new dawn. And we need to be this hope for each other, for our community and for our world.

Wishing you all a holy Easter and a restful and peaceful break.

Easter Prayer of Hope

Dear Lord, the resurrection of your Son has given us new life and renewed hope.

We promise to be people of hope, for ourselves, for each other, and for our world.

May we always remember that even in the darkest of times, that each of us carry the flame of hope within.

Grant us the courage to take this light into the world as people of hope and positive action.

Nano Nagle pray for us.

Amen

Josie Dilettoso 

Director of Faith and Mission

Photos from our Easter Liturgy