Easter Reflection from Holy Cross

In the closing scene of Steven Spielberg’s 1998 WWII movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” Private James Ryan stands pensively before the tombstone of Capt. John Miller, who died leading a courageous band of soldiers charged with saving him from battle in Normandy. Ryan turns to his wife who is standing nearby and asks her, “Have I been a good man? Have I led a good life?” Ryan is recalling the final words of Captain Miller, who before he dies, asks that Ryan live a life worthy of the sacrifice that was made for him.

We celebrate today the Resurrection of the Lord, whose paschal sacrifice has saved each of us from sin and death. In the final contemplation of the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius, like Captain Miller in the movie, invites each of us to make a total self- offering in response to the sacrifice that has been made for us. “Having seen the love and sacrifice offered for you by the Lord Jesus, can you now go forth to live your life as a worthy return of so great a love?”

It is in our response to this graced invitation, born out of the Resurrection of Jesus, that we find our peace, our joy and our life’s fulfillment.

Rev. Keith Muccino, S.J., M.D. ‘74

Associate Director, Health Professions Advising