Dear Parishioners,
A Blessed Easter to you all! Our broken world needs Easter more than ever. St. Paul writes, "If Christ be not raised from the dead, our faith is in vain" (1 Cor. 15:14). Our observance of Easter is not just a mere recollection of the central events in history, but a life-giving sacrament and sign of hope that is realized in our lives each and every year. It also summons us to live in continuous hope and joy.
The power of Christ's Resurrection changes one's perspective and how we see life. We no longer need to fear death. Knowing Christ's Resurrection means receiving a mission to live the life of Resurrection and witness to the world that Christ lives, loves us, forgives us, and redeems us. The church exists to witness to this great truth of Easter. Without Easter, there is no church.
Easter is the most important event in the history of the world. Other events are marked by observances, both civic and religious. But Easter is different; we celebrate the Lord's Resurrection each Sunday as a reminder that it is the most important event in our history and in our lives. If the whole Bible were lost but the Easter Gospel were saved, we would still have the Good News.
The Lord is inviting us this Easter to emerge from the tomb, to walk in the light, to know that the world can never be the same because he has conquered sin and death for all of us. Easter is also an invitation to new life, to a new beginning; it means that life and love are forever, and nothing else matters.
The Resurrection assures us that there is life beyond the cross, there is meaning to suffering, that love is stronger than death, and that we share the good news and the joy that our Redeemer lives.
On behalf of Fr. Camillus and Fr. John, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you dear parishioners, parish ministries, and volunteers for your love, generosity, and support of our community. May the Risen Lord bless you and your loved ones with abundant faith, serenity, and joy this Easter.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Amador M. Abundo Pastor