Easter
All the Easter People of Hope of the Epiphany
Rejoicing in the Risen Christ: A Message of Creative Hope and Victory (Corinthians 15:57)
Christ is Risen!
On this day we proclaim that he, the Lord of our life, is “the resurrection and the life” of the world (John11:25). Today is Easter, the Pasch, a word that means “passage”, for in Je-sus the decisive passage of humanity has been made: the passage from death to life, from sin to grace, from fear to confidence, from desolation to communion. In him, the Lord of time and history, I would like to say to everyone, with heartfelt joy, Happy Easter! (Pope Francis Urbi et Orbi Message 2023)
Dear Epiphany, with hearts overflowing with joy and gratitude, I extend to you the radiant blessings of Easter. Today, we stand in awe before the empty tomb, witnessing the triumph that reshaped eternity—the glorious resurrection of our Lord: “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:5-6). He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Easter is more than a moment in history; it is the heartbeat of our faith, a living reality that fills our souls with hope. The risen Christ is our victory, our redemption, and our eternal assurance: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). The empty tomb proclaims that sin is conquered, death is vanquished, and in Christ, we are made new: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
May this divine truth ignite our hearts with renewed faith, love, and the unshakable joy of resurrection life: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
The journey to the cross was one of unimaginable suffering, boundless sacrifice, and love beyond measure: “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus bore the weight of our sins, endured the agony of the cross, and laid down His life so that we might be reconciled to God. But the grave could not hold Him! On the third day, “the stone was rolled away” (Luke 24:2), and Christ rose in power and glory, bringing light to a world once shrouded in darkness: “I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
This Easter, let us embrace the transforming power of Christ’s resurrection. Just as “we were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4), let us rise from the burdens of sin, fear, and doubt, and walk in the newness of life He has given us. Christ’s victory over death is our victory, for “thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). We are called to live as His redeemed people—bearing witness to His love, sharing His truth, and proclaiming His salvation to a world in need of His grace: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15).
As Epiphany family, may we grow in love and unity, deepening our fellowship, strengthening our faith, and reaching out to those who are lost, lonely, and broken. “Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Let us be reflections of Christ’s love, shining as beacons of hope and healing in a world in need: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14). May this Easter rekindle in us a passion for God’s Word, a heart for service, and a commitment to walk in the power of His resurrection: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22).
Dear parishioners of Epiphany, as we rejoice in the risen Christ, may “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7). May His joy sustain you, and His love overflow in your lives. Let the triumph of Easter inspire us to live boldly for His glory, knowing that “in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37). In Christ, we have victory—now and forevermore! “To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood… to Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 1:5-6).
The great preacher Gardner Taylor once said that the whole Bible can be summed up as this: God is reclaiming what belongs to Him. This is the essence of Easter—the unfathomable love of God reaching out to restore us. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10). Through the risen Christ, God comes back to us: asking, “Who is it you are looking for?” (John 20:15); walking with us on the road of life, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us?” (Luke 24:32); standing in our midst, showing His wounds, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:27); breathing on us the Holy Spirit, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22); commissioning us to serve, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17). In His resurrection, our doubts turn to belief, our fear to faith, our slumber to passion, our brokenness to healing, and our confusion to a mission-filled life. And like Thomas, we are moved to declare with unwavering conviction: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).
Easter is the glorious truth that Jesus stands among us in every moment, in every place—even as you read these words. He reaches into the deepest valleys of our despair, doubt, and darkness, declaring, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19). Easter is the dawn of a new journey, not an end but a divine beginning, as we walk in the power of His resurrection. It is God’s undeniable proclamation that “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them.” (Revelation 21:3).
Because the Living Christ abides in us through the Holy Spirit, our victory is certain. We are not only empowered but compelled to live with resurrection hope today, embodying the future kingdom in the present. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15). For Christ is alive, He comes to us, and He reigns within us. Hallelujah! The kingdom is now!
Christ is Risen, indeed! Happy Easter to Each of You, and to Your Family!
Fraternally, Fr. John Peter Lazaar SAC, Pastor