Easter 2025 - An Message from Fr. Gagne

Mary Magdalene Weeping, detail from Stations of the Cross in Saint-Symphorien de Pfettisheim, Bas-Rhin, France, 19th century.

Dear Parishioners,

In Richard Rhor’s recent book, “The Tears of Things,” he talks about the importance of tears in our faith journey. Our culture tells us that we must be strong, do not cry, and never share your feelings, because they make you vulnerable and open to ridicule and hurt. The reality is that the opposite is true. The ability to shed tears is the appropriate response to the pain and sadness we all experience.

Jesus shed tears over the city of Jerusalem because her citizens refused to accept God’s love for them. He wept at the death of Lazarus, his friend. And shed tears and sweated blood, hours before his arrest and crucifixion, so much was his soul distressed. Then there is Peter, who went out and wept bitterly, for having denied knowing Jesus. And there is Mary of Magdala, weeping outside the empty tomb of Jesus.

Through the gift of tears, Jesus, Peter, and Mary of Magdala endured their pain and emptiness. Their tears opened their hearts to healing, peace, conversion, and love. Tears proceeded the Resurrection of the Christ. Tears roll back the stone from the tomb of indifference, pride, and most of all the self-righteousness that has no need of God, or anyone else.

Through the tears of Mary of Magdala we come to hear the voice of the risen Christ calling us by name in our darkest moments of grief and sorrow. Through the tears of Peter, the guilt of our betrayals is taken away. And like the apostles who cower in fear in the upper room behind locked doors, we see Jesus and hear him say, “peace be with you, do not be and afraid,” and “be not unbelieving but believe.”

Through the gift of tears may we come to experience Christ rising in glory dispelling the darkness that surrounds us. May he roll back the stone from the tomb of hopelessness.

A Blessed Easter filled with grace and renewal be with you. You all have a special remembrance in all my Masses on Easter and throughout the Easter Season.

Father Gagne