Easter People in the Year of the Poor

April 12 was the Feast of the Divine Mercy and the last day of the Easter season.  Initially, I thought it was a rather weird combination.  But then, I realized, it makes absolute sense.  To be forgiven is to have a fresh start, which is what Easter is all about.

The Catholic Church dubbed this year as The Year of the Poor and it's beautiful.

My family had an opportunity to attend Mass, officiated by Bishop Mercado, at the Divine Mercy Chapel.  He made a number of points on Forgiveness, Easter and The Year of the Poor that beg to be shared:

1. "No one is so poor that he has nothing to give; no one is so rich that he is not wanting." I forgot who he quoted on this one, but it's a truth we often overlook.  I realized, we underestimate the power of a simple smile or a kind word - two inexhaustible things that we can dish out indiscriminately and never run out of; and two things everyone cannot have too much of.  So, I resolve to smile more to everyone I interact with - no matter how minute the interaction ... even the lady at the toll gate at midnight.
2. "Everything we have is given to us; thus, we own nothing."  When we are aware that what we have is not ours, there is more care in how we utilize the resources at our disposal.  The mindset is stewardship - how would God want me to use these? 
3. "I am a gift to others."  We were created out of and for love.  We exist and are equipped to make this world a much better place --- even if it's just for a few people.
4. "The face of Love and Mercy is Forgiveness."  The greatest act of love is to forgive.
5. "Some are not ready to accept love because it entails responsibility.  Keep loving them anyway." Yes, some people are scared to accept love because they dread the responsibility that comes with it --- to love in return; or the consequences --- to be hurt.  Some people think loving completely is limiting, exhausting and risky, so they go about life guarded.  They fail to realize that, as they withhold and protect themselves, they trade off what is real with the superficial.  In the end, they are really depriving themselves ... because to love and be loved is both liberating and expanding.  Our natural inclination is to love.  To fight against it, then, takes more effort and energy.  Love in its purest and truest form is an act of selflessness. To be selfless enables us to unlock the limits of our capabilities ... because we inevitably push ourselves to be MORE for someone else.

 Finally, Bishop Mercado ends with:  "Let us be Easter People".

1. Let us accept God's love and forgiveness and give ourselves the gift of a fresh start.
2. Let us forgive others and give them the gift of a fresh start; and ourselves, the gift of a heart free from heavy burden.

 Make everyday Easter this Year of the Poor!