The Gospels record that the disciples were huddled in fear in the upper room when the news reached them that the Lord had risen. One can only imagine the sheer disbelief, then unbounded joy that must have followed. Modern-day disciples are also huddled in fear. On April 3 we learned of yet another terrorist attack, this time in St. Petersburg, Russia, a reminder, as if we needed one, that the world is still at war. Yet Easter is also a reminder, one we do need, that bad news is never the last word. Amid our countless trials and anxieties, the good news breaks forth anew in all its transformative might: The Lord still lives. Hope still lives. He is risen! Alleluia!