My sisters and brothers throughout the Diocese of Birmingham, Happy Easter to one and all!

All throughout our diocese, the scents of spring are in the air. There is a lilt in our steps. The trees and flowers are blooming. New life abounds! Honestly, there is nothing like an Alabama spring. Everything is coming to life. Farmers are planting again. We await the new harvest with optimism and hope.

While there are many things in our world that weigh us down and cause us worry, we know we have assurance in Christ, our Savior, that the uncertainties we face in life are not the end of the story. When all thought He was dead – the bystanders and His disciples witnessed the brutality of it all – something amazing happened. On the third day, He rose from the dead. He was seen first by the women. And in their breathless amazement, they ran to tell Peter and the others. They could not believe their eyes. Then the disciples ran to the tomb and saw that it was empty. In time, they would see Him showing up unexpectedly at various venues. Even in their hesitation, Christ would appear and assure them: “Peace be with you!”

As I contemplate the many challenges we face today in society and in our culture, the Resurrection gives me reassurance that what we long for is not merely wistful thinking or something ephemeral. It is real. It is hope incarnate. It is to live forever! It is something that fulfills the longing of our hearts. Christ is risen from the dead!

Yes, Christ is alive! He lives Who once was dead! Among Christians, there can be no greater joy than to proclaim this amazing event of Christ. He did not remain imprisoned in a tomb. He emerged to the amazement of all to inform the world: Sin and death do not have the last word.  The final word, the victory of our faith belongs to Christ! All praise and honor to Him, Who lives forever!