Rise with the Risen Christ to love others.  Today the Resurrection of the Lord is proclaimed and celebrated.  He is risen! He is no longer in the depths of the tomb but has been risen. In the Gospel the two disciples ran toward the tomb. He was no longer there. But it is indicative how they enter the tomb. Though the younger disciple had arrived first, he waited for Peter. Perhaps out of a sign of deference since Peter was older.   Both went into the tomb. Both eventually left the tomb. But this waiting for Peter was significant.  The risen Lord restores relationships.  The risen Lord asks for his followers to seek what is from above. Not positions of power and dominion but to seek the eternal. The risen Lord asks to help each other and be companions on the journey of faith. During this season it is a wonderful opportunity to allow the risen Lord to bring us together as a community of faith. Learning to understand each other and waiting for others as they are journeying to God. No matter who is in front to wait for the other. This image of the beloved disciple and Peter reminds us of the parish community. It is not a competition which nationality has more members at church, but all together to worship the Lord. In the first reading all are given a commission to preach the Gospel of repentance. All are called to witness of He who was hung on the tree for the salvation of the world.  Let us not compete and compare ourselves with each other but rather support each other in the task of evangelization. Let us support and wait for those members that are most vulnerable: the poor, the aged, and those seeking to make an honest living.  The fruit of the risen Lord is to bring all together to support one and other until the day of eternity. Let us think about what is above and not below. Let us not look at each other with suspicion but rather help each other to enter the glory of heaven. Let us together behold the resurrection of Christ which makes all things and relationships new.