Saturday, April 19, 2014

Easter Message

Our reasons for celebrating Christ’s Resurrection are indeed numerous since they are connected with our own salvation, as Jesus died to save us from our sins.  He died in atonement for our sins, it is true.  But He asks us to reform our lives as stated in the gospel of Mark: “Reform your lives and believe in the gospel” (Mk. 1:15).

            So the work of salvation is like a constant battle so as not to be overcome by our own weaknesses and imperfections but rather achieve the perfection of the new man reformed by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It’s truly a lifetime labor and effort since the Devil is there to tempt us constantly as that is his firm desire—to bring more souls to perdition in Hell.  Let’s bear that in mind that the work of saving our souls is a lifetime job as the devil never rests in his work of bringing souls to damnation in Hell.  St . Peter gives us an important advice of always being watchful and vigilant.  “Be calm but vigilant, because your enemy the devil is prowling round like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat.  Stand up to him, strong in faith and in the knowledge that your brothers all over the world are suffering the same things.  You will have to suffer only for a little while: the God of all grace who called you to eternal glory in Christ will see that all is well again: he will confirm, strengthen and support you.  His power lasts forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pt. 5:8).

            The Devil uses different ways to tempt human beings such as through bad pictures, bad companions or false literature.  We need God’s help and grace for this continual battle of good versus evil.

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