When we sing, The strife is o er, the battle won, it means that we must join in the mopping up actions wherever evil still dares to challenge the reign of a good and loving God. Easter challenges the Church to play offense. So much of the time we are defending against the inroads of sin in ourselves, in society and the world. The great Harry Caray will be remembered for many things. But remember what he always said at the end of the song.
Easter proclaims that the outcome of the game is sure.
In the end, Jesus wins and the kingdom comes on earth as it is in heaven. But here in this inning we are behind. Easter light and life and peace have not yet come to our world and into our hearts. Jesus needs some runs. My friend Mark Rourke is living through treatments for an especially virulent form of brain cancer.