The paschal sacrament brings together in unity of faith those physically separated from each other.

On Friday the Fourth Week of Lent our Church invites us to first read and reflect on a passage from the book of Numbers (14:1-25) entitled "The murmuring of the people and the intervention of Moses". Our treasure, which follows, is from an Easter letter by Saint Athanasius, bishop. Saint Athanasius was born at Alexandria in 295. He served as Patriarch of Alexandria for a period of his life, leading the church in Egypt and playing a significant role in shaping the early church. He accompanied Alexander to the Council of Nicaea and succeeded him as Bishop of Alexandria.    Saint Atanasius defended the full divinity of Jesus Christ against the heresy of Arianism, insisting that the Son is truly God and "of the same substance" as the Father. Despite exile and opposition, he upheld the faith defined at the First Council of Nicaea (325), preserving the truth that only if Christ is fully divine can He truly save us. His unwavering witness secured the Church's understanding of the Trinity and made him one of the most important defenders of orthodox Christology.   His writings are outstanding in their explanation and defense of the true teachings of the faith. Athanasius penned numerous theological treatises, including "On the Incarnation" and the "Four Orations Against the Arians," which are still studied for their profound insights into the nature of Christ. His writings, particularly "The Life of St. Antony," a biography of the desert father that influenced the growth of monasticism in both the East and the West, are believed to have played a significant role in the conversion of St. Augustine.  Saint Athanasius is a Doctor of the Church. He died in 373.   The Book of Numbers derives its name from the account of the two censuses taken of the Hebrew people, one near the beginning and the other toward the end of the journey in the wilderness. It continues the story of that journey begun in Exodus and describes briefly the experiences of the Israelites for a period of thirty-eight years, from the end of their encampment at Sinai to their arrival at the border of the promised land. Numerous legal ordinances are interspersed in the account, making the book a combination of law and history.   The central message of the Book of Numbers is that God remains faithful to His people even when they are unfaithful, and He calls them to trust and obey Him on the journey to the Promised Land. Through Israel's repeated complaints, rebellions, and failures in the wilderness, the book shows the consequences of distrust and disobedience, yet also reveals God's enduring guidance, mercy, and commitment to His covenant. Ultimately, it teaches that progress toward God's promises requires faith, perseverance, and reliance on His leadership, even during times of trials and uncertainty.