Archbishop-Metropolitan's Easter 2006 Message

Archbishop – Metropolitan

Robert Matthew Gubala’s Easter Message for 2008

His Eminence,

Robert M. Gubala, SCR

Archbishop-Metropolitan

My dear brothers and sisters:

At the Great Easter Vigil we are brought to a state of mind and spirit, much like the Apostles. A time of darkness, despair and sadness. We are brought into a Church in virtual darkness and solitude. As the Mass begins we share the "light of Christ" from the blessed Fire which we get from the new Paschal Candle, soon the church seems just a little more peaceful. We then sit and listen to the many ways God has saved his people throughout history.

Throughout the entire Liturgy of the Word we are building to the most beautiful and assuring words that man has ever uttered from his lips in the Exsultet "Jesus Christ our Savior is risen! Sound the Trumpet of Salvation!" after which the Gloria is sung, the bells that have been silent since the beginning of lent ring out a most glorious peal announcing the Good News!

In the Gospel we hear the Angel of the lord speak to the women visiting the place where they had laid Jesus, "He is risen just as he said."

For us as a resurrection people a new day has dawned. The promise of a new life, an everlasting life in the great reunion of Heaven!

St. Paul in his letter to the Romans mocks and taunts death with his questions and we as believers in the Resurrection can do the same!

Where O death is your sting? Where O death is your Victory? Death is swallowed up in victory! Death no longer has power over us.

Jesus has destroyed death!

He is risen! Alleluia! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia!

May almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit bless you and keep you!

His faithful servant,

++Robert Matthew