WASHINGTON, D.C. — The faithful may feel unworthy of Christ’s love because he “paid so high a price for our salvation,” but “let us not be afraid,” said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

“Let’s allow ourselves to be taken — even seized — with Easter joy. As we proclaim on Easter Sunday, ‘Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining,'” the cardinal said in his Easter message April 16.

“Welcome the love of God into your life,” Cardinal DiNardo said. “Share it with those around you, especially the most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers. In this way, we proclaim with Mary, ‘I have seen the Lord.’ Sing joyfully, ‘the Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.’ Happy Easter!”

Here is the full text of his statement:

“Through Christ’s passion, his burial in the tomb and his glorious resurrection, we come to realize the enormity of the Lord’s sacrifice for us. We may feel unworthy of his love who paid so high a price for our salvation. Let us not be afraid. Let’s allow ourselves to be taken — even seized — with Easter joy. As we proclaim on Easter Sunday, ‘Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.’

“In the Gospel of John, chapter 10, Jesus says the shepherd calls his own sheep by name, ‘I am the Good Shepherd and I know mine.’ In chapter 20, how much fear and doubt must have gripped Mary of Magdala as she stood by the tomb? There, it was Jesus who rescued Mary from her fears and darkness by calling her name. Listen carefully. Mary thought she had discovered the risen Lord, but it was the risen Lord who discovered her. Jesus calls out to each of us by name today as he did the very first Easter Sunday. His promise fulfilled. His word brings life, ‘I am the Good Shepherd and I know mine.’

“Jesus waits for you and me, embracing us in our moments of greatest need and desire. Welcome the love of God into your life. Share it with those around you, especially the most vulnerable of our sisters and brothers. In this way, we proclaim with Mary, ‘I have seen the Lord.’ Sing joyfully, ‘the Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.’ Happy Easter!”