Christ, our paschal lamb,

has been sacrificed and is risen

Let us rejoice in the Lord

 
A young boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring day when a bumblebee flew in the car window. The boy was deathly allergic to bees and so, began to panic. Knowing his allergy, the father quickly reaches out, grabs the bee, squeezes it in his hand and then releases it. Seeing the insect angrily buzzing around the car again, the boy became frantic again.
     Seeing his son’s fear, the father reached out his hand saying, “Look here.” There, stuck in his palm was the stinger of the bee. “You see?” You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’ve taken the sting for you.”  I’ve taken the sting for you.  
     We often desire to express that sentiment to someone in pain?  When tragedy strikes, we reach out a hand to help. When a family member or friend is afraid we say to them, “I wish I could do something.  I wish I could take your place”. Some have even prayed, God, take their pain and give it to me.
     We can feel that way because that is how God is with us. Seeing our brokenness and fear and the power death held over us, Jesus entered into our life and then into death, taking it on himself to remove the sting.     
     During Lent we journeyed back to God seeking to understand that we are the beloved of God and not even death can separate us from God.  In the power of God’s grace, in and through the cross and Resurrection, we belong to God.
     As followers of Jesus, we are called to witness to God’s promise of life over death and joy over suffering.  In the power of the Resurrection of Jesus our lives are transformed and rebuilt.    
     Where we had been broken, Christ heals us. Where we had been scattered, Christ unites us.  Where we had fallen, we are raised with Christ. Where we had been dead, Christ brings new life.
     In a wonderful way, St. Paul gives voice to the truth of the power of the Resurrection of Jesus at work in our lives – Behold, I tell you a mystery!  We shall not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in an instant, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. and when this which is corruptible must clothe itself with incorruptibility, and that which is mortal must clothe itself with immortality, then the word that is written shall come about:  “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?  Thanks be to God who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
                                                                                     
 1 Corinthians 15: 51, 53-55