Celebrating Easter in the Tomb

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The summer of 2014 Daesh (ISIS) swept through the northern part of Iraq.  Dominicans Sisters and Friars, fleeing with their neighbors, have done heroic ministry among their people even as they suffer their own displacement.

For this blog entry I am sharing a portion of the Easter letter from the Prioress of the Iraqi Dominican Sisters sent to me and others here in the US.  She writes:

"...As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man…and they were alarmed. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He has risen! He is not here." Mark 16: 5-6 

Dear Sisters, Brethren and Friends, 

It is great to hear the good news about Jesus’ resurrection. But if we were to think about the place from where the good news is announced, we would be a bit surprised. The women came into the tomb, and they saw a young man sitting there. Important things happen inside the tomb. 

The community that announce the good news is surprisingly in the tomb. The same community that lives in the darkness, in distress and anguish, now proclaim the good news about the Lord. Nothing could hinder that community of experiencing God’s power and love. In the same spirit, I would like to extend Easter greetings from a community that is inside the tomb with the women and the young man... "

Sister Maria, the Prioress continues in her letter to share news of the Sisters lives and ministry.

How does the scripture image touch your heart this Easter Season?  What would you want to say to the Dominicans in Iraq?

Roberta A. Popara, O.P.
North Palm Beach  FL

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