The season of Easter is about rejoicing in true redemption, not in worldly triumph. The Word of God is not a bedtime story. It’s a pruning shear.

The Good Shepherd discourse reveals to us the motivation behind God’s actions throughout all of salvation history.

See how Jesus, resurrected, shows the disciples his feet, his hands. See how he asks them for food and lets them watch him eat it. See how this creates in them an understanding, a belief.

For all the condemnation Thomas the Doubter has received in 2000 years of homilies, I think there’s something to admire in him. Thomas is not unique.

This Easter morning, I am thinking of Mary Magdalene. What were the words she planned to whisper into the cold, empty darkness that morning, as she wept over God’s body?

Holy Week reminds us that salvation history is a tapestry, not a collection of threads. As beautiful as the individual stitches might be, you won’t appreciate the message unless you back up and look at the complete product.

I write my phone number on my kids’ arms when we go into large crowds at summer festivals, in case we get separated.

Yes, that is really you, all of it, every inch. There’s nothing to be afraid of, just step into the light and own it.