We are the Easter People!
On this sacred Easter Sunday, we are encouraged to reflect on hope and the
joyful victory of life over death. The Gospel of St. John recounts Mary Magdalene’s
early-morning visit to the tomb. As night gives way to dawn, she reaches a place
that once held sorrow, only to find a reason to rejoice: the stone has been rolled
away, and the tomb is empty. This moment symbolizes our journey from darkness
into light and from death to new life in Christ.
As the sun rises on Easter morning, illuminating the journey of faith each of us
takes; we step into the Church filled with hope; particularly the 26 new members
of our parish family who we welcomed at the Easter Vigil and are just beginning
their unique faith journeys. Like Mary, Peter, and John, they might feel a mix of
emotions: joy, confusion, fear, and anticipation as they ponder the meaning of the
Resurrection. This shared experience helps them connect deeply with the core of
Easter, where new life awaits in faith’s embrace.
When Peter and John heard the news from Mary, they hurried to the tomb.
What were they thinking as they ran? Was it just an empty tomb, or could there be
something more extraordinary? Upon entering the empty tomb, John saw not only
emptiness but clarity. He noticed the linens that had wrapped Jesus, folded and set
aside, symbolizing order beyond the chaos of the crucifixion. In this moment of
deep realization, John experienced a powerful transformation captured in four lifechanging words: “He saw and believed.” These words call us to move from doubt
to faith, much like John, who embraced the truth of the Resurrection.
This Easter, as families and communities gather to celebrate, we are reminded
of the importance of such a belief. Like John, many hearts will reaffirm their faith in
the Risen Christ, strengthened by the testimony of those who came before them. It
is an invitation to stay strong amid uncertainty, allowing the light of the Resurrection
to guide us as we face life’s challenges.
Dear brothers and sisters, even though the eyewitnesses who saw the empty
tomb have long passed away, the message continues to resonate throughout
history. Our faith is based on the testimony of Mary, Peter, John, and countless
faithful witnesses. While we haven’t personally seen the Resurrection, we
experience the living Christ today through Scripture and the communion of saints.
Let us join Pope St. John Paul II in proclaiming: “We are the Easter people and
hallelujah is our song.” This Easter, may the joy of the resurrection fill our hearts.
Let us share our joy and remember that through faith, we are called to proclaim:
“He is risen!”
I wish you and your family a happy and blessed Easter!
Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor