Easter is a time of great joy, renewal, and hope. The word renewal means to make something new again. Just as the seasons change and Spring brings new life to the earth, Easter reminds us that, through Jesus, we too are given new life.
No matter what burdens we carry or how dark the world may seem, Christ’s resurrection is the promise that light will always overcome darkness.
This year, as we celebrate the Jubilee of Hope, we reflect on what true Easter hope and joy mean. Hope is not just wishful thinking—it is the certainty that God’s love is greater than anything we face. Joy is not simply a passing happiness but a deep assurance that, even in difficult times, God walks with us. This journey of faith is not one we take alone; we are called to walk together.
For those who have journeyed through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults ( RCIA), Easter is a special moment of welcome. Our soon-to-be newly baptized and confirmed sisters and brothers remind us of the joy of faith and the beauty of belonging to God’s family. Just as the first disciples rejoiced at the empty tomb, we rejoice with them as they begin this new chapter in their faith.
The Easter Gospel stories show us how Jesus met his followers in their fear and uncertainty. Mary Magdalene wept at the tomb, and her sorrow turned to joy when she recognised the Risen Christ. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were lost and discouraged, and their hearts burned within them when they encountered Jesus. Likewise, our world today faces many uncertainties—wars, struggles, and personal hardships. Yet, Easter reminds us that we are not alone. Christ has conquered death, and His victory is our hope.
As a Church, our mission is to be bearers of this hope and peace. We are called to be a welcoming community, where all find hospitality and love. In times when joy is hardest to find, that is when we must share it the most. Joy is strengthened in community—when we support one another, we remind the world that love triumphs over fear.
May this Easter fill your hearts and homes with the radiant joy of the Risen Christ. Let us walk together, renewed in faith, and share the hope of the resurrection with all we meet for Christ is Risen! Risen indeed! and may we always remember that God is Good, Good indeed.
