Almost everyone knows Jesus died on a Cross. He was mocked, tortured, and then executed in one of the most brutal, painful ways possible: crucifixion.

But why?
What exactly happened on the Cross, and what did it achieve? Why were the earliest Christian obsessed with proclaiming the Cross of Jesus?

Watch this short video to find out:

Easter Sunday 2021
St. Benedict Cathedral

 The deepest darkness I ever saw was in Wyandotte Cave as they turned out the lights. Pitch black! And yet, there have been other darknesses along the way, too: the darkness of the pandemic and its demands and effects, of losing someone we love, of grieving the progress of Alzheimer’s, of relationships betrayed, and abuse, neglect, disrespect, anger, harsh judgment, and apathy. There is darkness all around us.

 Imagine being Peter or John, running to the tomb, which until recently, had been sealed in the darkness of death. They didn’t merely run to Joseph’s tomb given to Jesus, THEY WENT IN. They entered the tomb of One who had been laid there dead. But that tomb, no matter how dark it had been, was now filled with light, not only sunlight, but the light of the resurrection, of hopes fulfilled, of glory and goodness and joy. Where there was once darkness, now, because of the resurrection, there was light.

 Brothers and sisters, on this Easter day, no matter what darkness we confront, no matter what difficulty comes our way, we have every reason to cling to the light of the Risen Christ. And living in His light, we will have courage, strength, certainty, genuine willingness to continue on toward eternity. Our sacred purpose at St. Benedict Cathedral is to become holy disciples, and holy disciples are fearless in the face of darkness, because we know the Light. And He has filled us. And He has raised us. Jesus Christ is risen. Alleluia! May the glorious light of His face show us the way, today and always, and for ever and ever. Amen.