“Tonight (Easter Vigil) we acquire a fundamental right that can never be taken away from us: the right to hope. It is a new and living hope that comes from God. It is not mere optimism; it is not a pat on the back or an empty word of encouragement.

“It is a gift from heaven, which we could not have earned on our own. Over these weeks, we have kept repeating, 'All will be well', clinging to the beauty of our humanity and allowing words of encouragement to rise up from our hearts. But as the days go by and fears grow, even the boldest hope can dissipate. Jesus’ hope is different. He plants in our hearts the conviction that God is able to make everything work unto good because even from the grave he brings life.” (Pope Francis)

As we continue to move through this pandemic crisis, physically, economically and emotionally, we cling to Christ and the hope he gives us by rising from the dead. He reminds us that nothing can separate us from him as long as we put our trust in him. There is light at the end of the tunnel and that light is Jesus, our Risen Lord and Savior. He stands before us and remains in us reminding us that he is with us no matter what. He is our hope. Cling to him.