He Has Risen
Dear Brothers and sisters, through the wounds of the Risen Christ we can see the evils which afflict humanity with the eyes of hope. In fact, by his rising the Lord has not taken away suffering and evil from the world but has vanquished them at their roots by the superabundance of his grace. He has countered the arrogance of evil with the supremacy of his love. He has left us the love that does not fear death, as the way to peace and joy. “Even as I have loved you – he said to his disciples before his death – so you must also love one another” (cf. Jn 13:34)

A difficult path to follow, given that suffering and evil still thrives around us in abundace!

Yet Easter is here once again, and Father O’Brien checks estimates for the flower decoration of the altar. The catholic florist £ 300. “Too expensive” moans the priest. The protestant florist - £ 250, “No, it would not be right to buy at another Christian believer, especially as the price difference is rather small.” But lo! Angelina Jolly - £ 75!!! Religion or economics? After much consideration, Angelina obtains the contract. On Easter Sunday morning, Jolly’s men deliver the flowers: wonderful roses, azaleas, camellias, tulips and carnations. O’Brien’s last reservations are discarded. When the parishioners arrive in the church, they see the magnificent flower arrangement and a ribbon with the inscription:” Jesus has risen! But the prices of Jolly's always stay the same.”