Saint Frances Cabrini Parish

Father Kleppner - April 8, 2007

Easter Meditation

When God Enters Our Picture
“The Transformation of Emptiness”

There was “emptiness” on Good Friday. There was also emptiness on Easter morning, but what a contrast between the two! On Good Friday, emptiness centered in the tragic loss of everything that was precious. A righteous person had suffered the fate of a thief. A dear, trusted friend was gone. A growing hope had been dashed to the ground by foreign tyrants. The time of darkness, reported to have come during the crucifixion, was symbolic of the darkness that comes when every source of light has been extinguished. What, if anything, was left of all that Jesus had promised?
On Easter morning, “emptiness” became a harbinger of joy. The sepulcher was empty! At first, this appeared to be a source of further sorrow and despair. Mary stood outside the empty tomb, her eyes wet with tears. Gently the resurrected Jesus came up behind her and asked, “Why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Not recognizing Jesus, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him off, tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away” (John 20:15). Then, she turned around and saw who it was. Everything changed; the transformation was complete. The emptiness of loss became the emptiness of the tomb and the resulting fullness of restored hope.
Here is a central message of the gospel. When God is in our picture, our life is never truly empty. There are times when all seems to be lost. Life can have times of deep sorrow. With God, though, there is always hope. The spirit of the resurrected Christ is always with us to transform our lives and to bring a rising sun after even our darkest hours.

WELCOME to Our Newly Initiated Catholics!
Joshua Crook is a young adult introduced to our faith through friends. He attended Center High School (’06) and currently is a student at CCBC studying Business Administration. Josh says that “the high point so far of the RCIA has been the trip to the Cathedral and meeting the Bishop, but what I’m really looking forward to is the Easter Vigil and becoming baptized. I have a faith, a place, I feel like I belong. “
Linda Miller grew up with many Catholic friends. Time was made this year to finally act upon her long time desire to join the Church. She works as flight attendant and is engaged to marry Fred Rossi. Linda shares “I appreciated knowing that Fred attended church and I was looking for a new church. After talking to Father Kleppner, Fred I decided to join the St. Frances Cabrini. I have met so many nice people here at and feel that the years ahead as a member of St. Frances will bring me great joy. The RICA classes are very inspiring and the teachers very helpful, kind and knowledgeable.”
Cheryl Cavanaugh is the loving wife of Shane and mother to Caitlyn, Alana, Matthew, and Joseph (the twins, Matthew and Joseph were born in October!). Cheryl was a military child, born in Panama, and baptized Lutheran. She loves baking and nursing. “Becoming Catholic is something I was curious about, even growing up. I like that the faith has so much to say on every aspect of life. My decision has been difficult for my family to accept and a sacrifice, but a decision that I believe that is best for me, my faith, and my family. My mother- in-law, her love and gentleness have been an inspiration.”
If you or a friend is interested in becoming Catholic, please contact Ellen Cavanaugh 724-775-6363 / ellensfc@comcast.net

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www.sfcabriniparish.org