The Legend of the Easter Bunny: Part 3

"When the rabbit awoke, it smelled of dawn. He remained by the tomb all through that long day. He ate a little. He slept. All was quiet. When night came, the soldiers brought torches for more light. The rabbit watched the shadows of the torches on the flickering rock. The rabbit was hungry and tired, but the whole world felt empty without that Man, so he knew he couldn't leave.

The sky was just turning pink around the edges when the rabbit woke again. He opened his eyes, stretched his long ears, and listened. He heard the sound of snoring. He hopped silently in the direction of the sound and found two guards asleep on the ground. When the rabbit turned back to the tomb, he noticed the large stone had been rolled away. He hopped silently to the edge of the tomb and peered inside. "You are still here," said a voice in a whisper, causing the rabbit to freeze with fright. The rabbit did not dare breathe, but he turned his tall ear, just a little. "Thank you," said the voice, which the rabbit now recognized as belonging to the Man. "You have given me a great gift," the Man told the furry, white rabbit. "You have stayed with me. You have kept watch and you have waited." The rabbit relaxed. He was no longer afraid.

Because the rabbit remained and did not run away, he got a very special gift in return. Each Easter Sunday, the rabbit is used to share the beautiful message of the first Easter morning with the children of the world. Easter morning is a day for rejoicing with Easter baskets and brightly decorated eggs. The egg is a symbol. Just as a chick bursts our of an egg's shell, Jesus came out of that cold tomb. Jesus has risen, forever. And he will never leave us--not when we're sad, not when we're in trouble, and not when we're in pain. He loves us too much."

I hope you all have a very Blessed Easter filled with many graces. This is a special time of year that always reminds us of our sins and shows us that with our fallen nature, Christ still loves us and has died for us. The battle is already won and the devil has been defeated so never fear! And have a blessed Easter!

Rosalina