Easter Sunday

04-09-2023From Fr. Antony's DeskFr. Antony Arockiadoss

Dear Family!

I wish you all a wonderful, grace-filled Easter! As this is the most important day for the Church, let us be mindful of the essence of what we believe! “Because Easter Sunday is the commemoration of Christ’s Resurrection, this day is the greatest solemnity of the liturgical year” (CCC 1169).

The Catechism reminds us that “The Resurrection remains at the very heart of the mystery of faith as something that transcends and surpasses history. This is why the risen Christ does not reveal himself to the world, but to his disciples, ‘to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people” (CCC 647).

Easter Vigil is the vigil or all vigils. The liturgy is constructed in such a way as to reflect and pray with all the readings where death, darkness and dullness are lead to life, light and newness. The service of the light, liturgy of the word, Baptism and Eucharist are all so original to the Easter Vigil that many Catholics might end up reducing them to “too long or waste of time.” A time to pray with and for our catechumens is indeed a time with the Spirit that our faith is strengthened and blessed by their longing to be part of the Christian Community.

We are Easter People who worship Easter God and Alleluia is our song. We have just been to a funeral and cried bitterly. The blood-filled cross and the occupied tomb though initially brought fear among the friends; they gave them hope that resurrection is imminent. I wish you all a very happy Easter! Dear friends who come rarely to church! We remember and pray for you today that you be strengthened by our community of the faithful. We struggle with you in faith that our opportunities to pray together may increase in the days to come! Let us build the church of Christ together…

Jesus wants his disciples not to just experience the joy of Easter, rather the responsibility and accountability with which he carried the Cross. He wants all the run-away disciples to assemble for a just cause; more people to carry his cross, wipe his face; more to be at his side and beneath the Cross. Jesus’ own funeral was empty with loneliness and defeat; thus in His resurrection He brings people together.

The first tree that was planted in the middle of Garden Eden opened their eyes – the tree of life and death. Here the second tree is planted in the middle of Church opens our hearts – the tree of Death and Resurrection. Every time we are prepared to ‘die’ for our values, principles, religious sentiments, love, faith and hope, we are actually given the hope of Resurrection. Resurrection is a reward for those who chose this tree – a great life of love and service. Is this love free? Does this Resurrection come with no price tag? Think again!

We wish you and we pray for you. Let your faith be reborn and your love for God resurrected!

Happy Easter!

Fr. Antony

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