It is so easy to feel the joy of Psalm 118 on this, the Monday of the Easter Octave. “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!”  Indeed, let us rejoice and be glad for as Peter tells us in the first reading, Jesus “commissioned us to preach to the people and testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Every time I hear those words and reflect on the power of that message, I feel overwhelmed and humbled that our God loved us so much that he endured death on a cross for the forgiveness of sin, my sin. Lent is perhaps my favorite season – I enjoy the opportunity to quietly take a step back from the noise of the world, carving deliberate time in my day to quietly pray and reflect on the cross, forgiveness, and how through the display of unconditional love we are reborn. Perhaps, like me, you too found some days were more challenging than others. Perhaps you have felt uncertain, unworthy or fearful.

In today’s Gospel, Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter, and the other disciple whom Jesus loved experienced feelings of uncertainty and fear as they approached and explored the empty tomb. They did not yet understand the Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.  The good news for us today, and always, is that we know the rest of the story.

We know that the Resurrection is not an event from long ago, but is something that we are invited to participate in every day through scripture and sacrament. When we are unwavering in our hope and trust in our Lord, His mercy and forgiveness are always available, and He will give us the strength to endure even the heaviest crosses in life. Jesus will lead us to greater joys than ever imaginable.

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad!

Carmel Foltan is Director of Human Resources at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany.