April 20, 2025
Happy Easter! “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8). He has Risen. The graces he gave 2,000 years ago still affect us today in 2025. We will live forever. No matter who we are, no matter what kind of temperament we possess, Jesus longs to redeem us.
Hippocrates, the doctor, (460-377 B.C.) stated that people have one of four personalities: impulsive, phlegmatic, choleric, or melancholic. The impulsive person acts quickly. He responds to what he feels. The negative side of this is that the person is easily discouraged when things don’t work out. Then there is the phlegmatic. Charles de Gaulle, the famous Frenchman, was phlegmatic. In battle he was cool as a cucumber. Then there’s the choleric. These are hot, dry, and fiery creatures. At best they are ambitious, brave and proud.
Finally, the melancholic individual: These folks are self-reliant men and women who are caring, reserved and often anxious. Lately, over the past month or so while I have been away from you, I have felt melancholic. Why? I have felt anxious missing the Lenten journey with you and now the joys of Easter! But then I think of what St. Paul said in Romans 5:5, “Hope does not disappoint.”
It is difficult to classify Christ. He is true God and true man. He suffered, died and rose from the dead so that we too will rise from the dead. Rejoice! It is Easter!
“Hope does not disappoint.”
I remember you at Mass!
