The Pastor’s message - Why Easter Matters

“Jesus said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” — John 19:30

Now, if this is where our story stopped, we would not be living as people of the resurrection. We would be stunted at the crossroads, having no clue where to go and what to do. We would not know who we are or where we were going. But, thanks be to God, that is not where our story ends, that is just the beginning. God does something miraculous through Jesus Christ, so we are able to shout with joy-filled hearts on Easter Sunday, "CHRIST IS RISEN!"

“He is not here; for he has been raised.” — Matthew 28:6

This is what we proclaim on Easter Sunday and every day following. Because of God's greatest promise, that he is not dead, but Christ lives! And through Christ's life, death and resurrection we are granted grace upon grace.

Today, we must be grateful because we are able to gather as a family to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, and that is the reason for our joy; a joy that has to become contagious, because it has to make us lose fear. It is a “contagion, which is transmitted from heart to heart, because every human heart awaits this Good News.

As a parish, in the midst of this Easter joy, I want to invite you so that this Easter celebration is reflected in our faith commitment, and in the increase of our love for the parish. Majority of our parishioners are returned to in-person masses and I am very happy about it, it is time to return to our spiritual home. It is time to begin to enjoy the sacramental life and to begin to invigorate pastoral activities. I think it is important to reflect on our baptismal commitment, that commitment must be reflected in active participation in parish ministries. We need more volunteers in all our ministries especially youngsters. We have to rise with the Lord and begin to strengthen our parish more and make our ministries flourish again. I invite everyone to congratulate our brothers and sisters in faith who received the sacraments of initiation at the Easter Vigil. It is a reason for joy because our spiritual family now has more members.

Personally, it was a difficult time for me due to my ill health. But it was also a time for me to understand how blessed I am and how beautiful our parish family is. I have no words to express my gratitude to all of you for your continuous prayers and kind support in many ways. I take this opportunity to thank all who have offered prayers and masses for me, visited me, called me or sent emails, texts, cards and notes to me during this journey. Your support and prayers (and your offer of food!) mean more to me than you will ever know.

May you and our faith family of St. Martin of Tours, along with all of our loved ones, have a most blessed and Happy Easter.