Msgr. Edmond Putrimas Easter greeting

The doors were shut, where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, (and) Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be unto you,” (Jn 20:19)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, Happy Easter!

This year, we meet Easter in a state of anxiety and uncertainty, yet we stand united to tackle the global challenge of a pandemic. Although state borders are closed, flights, buses and trains are canceled, it has been a long time since we have been so focused on a common goal: the need to provide humanitarian aid that unites not only countries, businesses, charitable organizations but also individuals.

Similarly, we face a challenge with our parishes. While we may not visit them during the pandemic and we cannot worship Jesus with our usual liturgical traditions, we are rediscovering the power of spiritual communion, universal forgiveness, and seeing the importance of keeping a living relationship with God in our hearts, especially with the use of social media. After all, no one in this world can separate us from Jesus unless we allow it. It is worth remembering these words: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35).

On March 27th Pope Francis addressed the “City and the World” (Urbi et Orbi) at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican and reminded us of Jesus’ encouragement: „Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40). The Pope said, „Lord, You ask us to believe. Not only are You asking us to believe that You are, but You are asking us to come to You and trust You.” We place our trust in Jesus every morning by giving thanks for the gift of life, as we place all our worries, misery, and joys into his hands. But it is not enough to give him our problems – we must also reach out to help those who are the most disadvantaged and neglected members of our society.

This year, many of us will celebrate Easter at home, maybe for the first time, with no family or friends. We will not be participating in the Saturday Easter Vigil celebration or attending Easter Sunday Mass to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. In longing for our Easter traditions, let us not focus on that which we cannot change, but rather on that which depends on us. We all have a responsibility to make sure we prepare properly for Easter and that Easter does not go unnoticed in our homes. Families have the task of teaching their children and youth to grasp the true meaning of the Easter message. Therefore, it is worth devoting time to the examination of our conscience; to tune in to Easter Mass broadcasts; to extend greetings to our loved ones. It is also worth remembering the custom of cleaning our homes while not forgetting our spiritual home within us. Let us sweep away all the dust and sins so that during Easter we may all be resurrected with Christ.

And when we are caught in a whirlwind of misery; as we hide behind “life’s closed doors” feeling frightened and troubled; let us always cry out to Jesus, who will come and say, „Peace be upon you!”

May the trials of the present pandemic not deprive us of the joy and hope of the sacredness of the Easter season. Let us reach out and strengthen one another through prayer and, together with all those who are suffering, offer our fears and doubts in trust to the Divine Mercy.

MSGR. EDMOND J. PUTRIMAS
Lithuanian Bishops’ Conference Delegate
for the Lithuanian Catholic Apostolate Abroad
1 Resurrection Rd., Toronto, ON M9A 5G1, CANADA
Office: (+1) 416-233-7819
putrimas@sielovada.org