Rejoice and Be Glad

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad" (Psalm 118:24).

Let us remember that these words of today's responsorial psalm are not only sung from the hearts of those gathered in our parish. They are also sung by the poor in tiny barrios throughout Central and South America. They are sung by those denied religious freedom in our world; these Christians lift their voices in clandestine places of worship.

These words are sung by people who have lost loved ones to acts of terrorism and war around the globe. Even in the midst of conflict and division, Christians still come together to declare that poverty, loneliness, violence, and division will never, ever have as much power as the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Indeed, let us rejoice this day and be glad!