Christ's Crucifixion is the culminating event for the Redemption of all the sins of mankind. The Resurrection is the reality and sign of Christ's victory over death and sin. He shares that with us in and through the Catholic Church.
St. Paul's eloquent statement follows:
O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting? Now the sting of death is sin: and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.1 Corinthians 15:55-57 Douay-Rheims
This victory is over sin and the consequence of sin, which is death. Death is not merely physical, but spiritual. Until Christ's Victory, all humans waited for the release from Original Sin-those alive and those dead.
In our time here on earth and in the Church, we must recognize that sin and death surround us. Most of us can see this in the culture of death, which is growing daily, like a poisonous mist across the globe.
But, the culture of death which we see is a result of the deaths of so many souls, even those of Catholics who have not been obedient for whatever reason to the call to life.
I pray for my fellow Catholics caught in disobedience and, therefore, in death.
We must allow God to purge us of every rebellion against the Church either in matters of Faith or matters of Morals.
The greatest danger is spiritual pride. In this sin, one thinks one is holier and more gifted than others.
God cannot work through this clogging of the soul with self-love.
Keep focused on Christ and His Church and avoid any ministry or person who calls you away from obedience. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless You, by Your Holy Cross, You have redeemed the world.
