Pray and reflect with Missio today and over the Easter Triduum.

‘There was in the place where he was crucified a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been laid. And so there… because the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus’

– John 19:41-42

Fr Roberto Malgesini, 51, was stabbed to death by a mentally unwell homeless man on 15 September in Italy. The Priest was known for his care for homeless people and support of migrants. He has been posthumously awarded the Gold Medal for Civil Valor – Italy’s highest honour for civil valour.

Fr Roberto was well known to the poor and migrant communities in Como, whom he cared for deeply and served both spiritually and practically. He made a huge difference to so many people.

After his death one young Ghanaian man, whom Fr Roberto had helped after he was injured at work, said: ‘Had it not been for Don Roberto, I don’t know how I would have survived. I am so in pain today I can’t eat.’

When they laid Jesus in the tomb, his followers had no idea of the new life that was beginning to rise; a life that would change all time.

But the lesson of the cross teaches us

to keep our eyes and hearts open

for signs of new beginnings.

God’s love and light are always at work, especially in the darkest times.

Witness to hope

We can identify with the young man’s pain. When we grieve, it is easy to be consumed by despair, to feel an ending with no hope of a beginning. But unlike the disciples on that first Easter Saturday, we know that there is hope. We have witnessed the miracle of Easter Sunday, and can take comfort and strength from our Risen Lord.

At Fr Roberto’s requiem Mass, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski who was representing the Holy Father, said:

‘I give praise to God for the witness, that is, for the martyrdom of this witness of charity toward the poorest.

‘Father Roberto is dead, therefore, he is alive. Love never dies, not even with death. Greater love than this has no one than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’

Lord,

open my eyes,

to notice beauty in our world,

kindness in people,

love all around me,

and Your risen Son,

everywhere.