Let the Celebration Continue

Details: 06 April 2012

Victories are often celebrated inappropriately. Haven’t we all read about riots and vandalism after the winning of a major championship? The ultimate victory was won by Jesus Christ by his passion, death and resurrection over sin and death.

Can anyone tell me who won the 1952 World Series? Even if someone knows, can you find someone who cares? Anyone? In addition, the celebrations are over definitively. It is the victory of the Lion of Judah that will never be forgotten and will be celebrated – eternally.

This is what the Easter celebration is all about. Even though while still on this earth we suffer as members of the mystical body of Christ, like the prophet Jeremiah who lived in the seventh century before Christ, we can take comfort in these words, "But the Lord is with me as a dread warrior; therefore my persecutors will stumble, they will not overcome me. They will be greatly shamed, for they will not succeed. Their eternal dishonor will never be forgotten" (Jer 20:11).

Isn’t it common for people to hang sports memorabilia in their homes? Posters, prints and images of athletes abound in many homes of sports fans worldwide. Isn’t it true that some of these ‘heroes’ are terrible role models in their private lives? What about images of the ultimate victor Jesus Christ and members of His winning team who are celebrating His definitive victory while enjoying the beatific vision? Do we have images of them in our homes? If so, are they few and far between? If being a Christian was illegal, is there evidence in our homes to convict us? Are we afraid or ashamed to display sacred images? Let us not forget these stark words of the King of Kings, "Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of man be ashamed when he comes in glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels" (Lk 9:26). This is the glory that we should long to celebrate eternally.

For those looking for artwork to display or even wear as jewelry, please remember that it is time again for the Sacred Art Show! It will be held Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21. It is a show put on by Catholic artists displaying their Catholic art. It will be held at the Blessed John XXIII Diocesan Center. 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln.

On Friday, April 20 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. there will be wine, hors d’ oeuvres and music. In addition, there will be a children’s art center. Admission is $5 for adults and $15 per family with free admission for priests and religious.

The hours for Saturday are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As a special treat, the show will have Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz speaking at 11 a.m. Saturday with a reception to follow. His talk is entitled, "Sacred Art and the Church."

Finally, there will be artist demonstrations throughout the day. As in previous years, the beautiful works of art will be for sale so they can adorn our homes. We at St. Gianna Women’s Homes are grateful because 10% of the proceeds will be going to help the many women who come to us at St. Gianna’s to escape domestic violence and abortion. Please pray for the success of this important event. Happy Easter!