Even so I send you...

In his Regina Caeli message of April 5, Easter Monday, Pope Benedict XVI noted that this Monday is traditionally called "the Angel's Monday." The term "angel," he said, is one of the oldest titles of our Lord, quoting Tertullian, who in the third century wrote: "He – Christ – has also been called 'angel of counsel,' that is, herald, term that denotes an office, not his nature. In fact, he had to proclaim to the world the great plan of the Father for man's restoration… Consequently, Jesus Christ, Son of God, is also called the angel of God the Father: He is the Messenger par excellence of his love."

The Holy Father then reminded the Church of our Risen Lord's words to his Apostles: "As the Father has sent me, even so I send you" (Jn 20:21). This means, he went on to say, that "as Jesus was the herald of the love of God the Father, we must also be so of the charity of Christ: We are messengers of his resurrection, of his victory over evil and death, bearers of his divine love. Of course we continue to be by nature men and women, but we receive the mission of 'angels,' messengers of Christ: We are all given it in baptism and in confirmation."

In conclusion, the Holy Father encouraged us to turn to Our Lady, praying to her as Regina Caeli, Queen of Heaven: "May she help us to accept fully the grace of the Easter mystery and to be courageous and joyful messengers of the resurrection of Christ."

Dear Mary, Queen of Heaven, I rejoice with You that your Son Jesus has risen from the dead! Pray for me that, in my everyday life, I may be a herald of His Resurrection, a bearer of His life and love, a messenger of His peace and mercy. With you, may I always magnify the Lord. Amen! Alleluia!