‘He is alive!’

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Diocese of Camden,

These were the baffling and exhilarating words heard by Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James upon arriving at the tomb early on the first day of the week to anoint Jesus’ body with aromatic spices. Those spices were not needed, however, because Jesus was “living.”

“He is alive!” These are the words that the Galilean women excitedly shared with the companions of Jesus who were mourning and weeping his Death (Mk 16:11), and they are the words that I excitedly share with you all as I begin my ministry as your ordinary bishop. I never tire of proclaiming these words because I never tire of witnessing the presence and power of the Risen One in my life and in the lives of those whom I have the privilege of serving.

Indeed, in these past seven months as your coadjutor bishop, I have seen Jesus “alive” in South Jersey. What a joy for me to be here, and what a joy to have a believing community such as this in which to live and learn and love and worship, whether in the city, among the blueberry fields or “down the shore.” 

“He is alive!” These words should be as exhilarating for us today as they were for the Galilean women nearly 2,000 years ago because Jesus is as alive this Easter as he was that First Easter.  He was and is and always will be “the living one” whom death could not hold down, and who continues to show himself “alive” in our personal lives, our family lives and our parish communities, especially when we are confused or sorrowful. 

Jesus is alive, and like Mary Magdalene, we have the privilege of being his witnesses in a world that has such need of our Easter joy.

Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia!

He has risen as He said, Alleluia!

Bishop Joseph A. Williams