Deputy National Chaplain Fr. Colm Mitchell
I imagine by the time this issue of the Digest is sent out, we will be into the Easter season. As Irishmen, Easter has two distinct but important meanings for us. First and foremost, it is the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. Secondly, it is when we commemorate those who gave their lives for Irish Freedom.
Again, the most important thing we celebrate on Easter is our Lord’s Resurrection. This is his victory over sin and death. Because of this, salvation and paradise are possible for us. We must remember what our Lord endured for our salvation. He, an innocent man, took all of our sins upon himself. He suffered greatly at the hands of his captors. He was beaten to a pulp, spit upon, insulted and mocked. He endured this for you. He did this because he loves you. After his agonizing death on Good Friday, he was placed in a tomb. On Sunday morning, that tomb was empty. Let us remember this. Let us share this joyous news of Christ’s victory over sin and death with everyone we encounter. In response to what Christ did for us, let us make sure that we avail ourselves to the graces our Lord wants to give us. Let us make sure we attend the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass every Sunday. Let us make sure we regularly go to confession so we can worthily receive our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.
The organizers of the 1916 Rising knew full well of the true meaning and importance of Easter. This is why they chose it as the time to strike their blow for Irish Freedom. Sadly, they were not successful. In the decades since, while we have gotten closer, we have not yet achieved their goal of complete freedom for the Irish Nation. Let us use this time to remember all those who have lost their lives since 1916, especially the fallen volunteers. Let us pray that not another drop of blood will have to be shed before their goal is realized.
Slán agus beannacht.