Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, April 5, 2026

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above…Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.

Jesus Christ is RISEN! He is RISEN indeed. Alleluia! Happy Easter!

Paul says that, because we are raised with Christ, we must seek what is above. We must look past, we must run over or through all earthly hurdles, overcoming all things that might prevent us from getting to Jesus Christ – the One Who is above. When we set our sights on the higher things, we inevitably find Jesus. There is a beautiful Catholic song from about 20 years ago titled, “Set your heart on the higher gifts.” The refrain reminds us that three gifts are all that remain – faith, hope and love. When we seek Jesus above, we find Him in faith, hope, and love.

Yes, we do believe that Jesus rose from the dead that first Easter morning. We accept this and are thankful for what this means for us as believers. But some of us are a bit skeptical; others are struggling to believe. Some are vacillating. Perhaps one or two of you may come to Mass on Easter because your wife or mother told you there would be no Easter dinner if you didn’t go to Church! Whatever the reason that brings you to Easter Mass, understand that in every mass, particularly on Easter Sunday, we set our sights on the higher gifts. We encounter the risen Lord and are joyful that He gives us faith, hope and love to make our lives in this world so much easier to bear.

Faith drives both our hope and our love. Without faith, realities that should inspire hope and love only cause confusion. Jesus’ empty tomb is the sign of the most complete victory, the most extreme love and the most powerful presence. Mary Magdalene, Peter and John all see the empty tomb. But their limited faith needs time to grow so that it can completely accept the great gift that is offered. In seeking the higher gifts, we must first strengthen our faith. Otherwise, what should cause hope and love will become stumbling blocks. Only a sincere and generous faith in the Risen Lord enables us to see hope and love in the circumstances of life.

Fr. Mike