Church of the
Annunciation

On Holy Thursday Pope Francis celebrated the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in a juvenile delinquent center. Before he washed their feet, Pope Francis  explained to the teens and young adults that it is a gesture of love and service. Jesus did it. Jesus taught it. We must do it. After Eucharist, Pope Francis gave attendees an Easter egg. Traditionally, Easter eggs remind us both of the empty tomb and life in Christ. Women come to anoint the lifeless body of Jesus and discover the tomb is empty. They are perplexed. What does it mean? The mystery is resolved/revealed when Jesus appears to Mary of Magdala and to Simon Peter and other beloved disciples. They see and hear the Risen Lord. Jesus is present when they gather to reflect on the Word and break Bread. Pope Francis told the troubled youth: “Don’t lose hope. Understand. With hope you can always go on.” We "go on"  with incredible Good News. Jesus Christ is with us. He has been raised. Alleluia. Alleluia!