After the crucifixion of their leader Jesus, some of the early Christians went into hiding for fear that they too would be killed. But the “Good News” for them (and for all of us) was that Jesus was alive, not in the land of the dead. And after appearing and bolstering the shaky spirit of his friends with a greeting of “Peace be with you!”,Jesus said:

“Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts  rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch and see for yourselves a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have” and they stood there dumbfounded”.      Luke 24:37-40

Jesus then commissioned his friends to continue the work he had begun, promising “And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.”        Matthew 28:20

This Good News proclaimed at Easter is a continuum of the “Glad tidings of comfort and joy” that we sing during Advent and Christmas. Sadly, today we live in difficult times of global weather disasters, terrorist murders, extreme partisan politics, growing gaps between the rich and poor, etc. etc. Some people worry that we may have lost our moral compass.

We are flooded with media news and commentaries. How do we distinguish between factual news and what is “fake news” or “digital dirty tricks”? Whose values do we use when we are making important decisions? Some people long for stability and may put their trust in a strong leader with simplistic solutions for complicated problems.

Yet for democracy to survive we must ALL be informed and involved. Our national Canadian elections will be held on October 21, a short time from now. We have many important, inter-related topics to discuss. Will we be able to have  “civilized” discussions before we discern how to vote.

In one of his letter St. Paul seemed to have worries similar to our 2019 worries:

“In the presence of God and of Jesus Christ…and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message…For the time is coming when   people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having  itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves   teachers to suit their own desires, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths.”                                                                            2 Timothy: 1-5

Finally, may I leave you with some hope from one of the readings from the First Sunday after Easter:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good his steadfast love endures forever.”        Psalm 118