Have we taken the time out to reflect on our lives and how we impact upon others with our words, deeds and thoughts?On Good Friday, we had a day of solemn reflection, and I took the time to just sit with a carving of the Pieta in front of me and it certainly made me reflect on how the actions and sacrifice of one person has been very quickly forgotten by so many.
For those of you who may not know what the Pieta is, it is basically that moment every mother in her life would hope never to have to experience and that is of holding her deceased beloved child in her arms.
The face of Mary as she looks upon the face of her Son is one which seems to be almost emotionless, but if you look closer, she is almost at the point of resignation and of knowing that this is how it has to be.
She knows that the new birth is to come by virtue of his death and resurrection, hence perhaps there are no tears on her face, or the usual worry lines at this most terrible of times in her life.
Maybe we can all learn here that in life we will indeed endure the difficult times but that we should never forget that God is there for us and with us even if we do not acknowledge that special presence.
In my own life as a priest, I can say there are times when I have those dark moments where everything seems to be difficult and yes, throwing in the towel - or the collar as it may well be - would seem to be the best thing to do.
However, my very basic belief in the goodness of God alone gets me through, and my belief in the risen Christ and the message that life can be ours but when we accept this gift, we accept the strings that come with it.
What I mean by that is life is indeed a gift and none of us has a right to endanger it in any way, shape or form whether it be by driving at speed, drinking and then getting behind the steering wheel, taking drugs or setting out to harm others.
We were not given the gift of life only to take that of others and it certainly is not what Christ died for...
We need to sincerely and seriously reflect on the preciousness of life today, respect and rejoice with every moment we have breath in our bodies and also remember those whose lives have been taken in this country on a daily basis...has life become so worthless??
Does it mean that we are worthless?
Is the person beside me more or less worthless than myself?
Do I respect and accept that persons right to live?
All we have to do is look to the streets of this country and watch the blood being spilled, the same as that which Christ spilled for us over 2,000 years ago but the big difference is that Christ spilled His blood so we could live...in this country death is inevitable!!!
On this Easter Sunday, I appeal to each and every one of you, most especially our youth, we live in difficult and ever-changing times but do not despair...
Drugs, drink, speed-racing and other activities you may engage in are NOT the way of the Risen Christ...indeed they are anathema to Him and to the celebration we are gathered here today as a community to partake in.
Look at the face of the Mother of God of the Pieta and see how she accepts the death of her Son because she knows the reason why...it is pre-destined. Then look at the faces of those mothers who have lost their beloved on our streets and you will see something very different, and only her faith and belief in the Risen Christ may be what sees her through the dark days.
Let us rejoice today in the new life and chance we have been given by Christ and never forget that we only get one chance at it.
Make a promise when you leave here today to at least reflect on Easter and what it means to be alive and know that at all times, no matter what, Christ through His death and resurrection, triumphed over death for us all.
Let us not forget that at any time, and once we remind ourselves of the preciousness of the gift of life, maybe, just maybe, we will truly realise the love of Christ for us all each and every day of our lives.
Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia!