April 20 2025・Easter Sunday (C )

Acts 10.34,37-43・Ps.118.1+2 16+17 22+23・Colossians 3.1-4・John 20.1-9

The reality of Jesus` Resurrection better understood in our present life can be the first of the many fruits of our recent Lenten recollection. Other things such as forgiveness of sins (God forgiving us and, we, forgiving one self and others), change of heart (contrition and promising to be better and to grow deeper in faith and in relationship with God), make us to just celebrate together a new life in Jesus during this Easter season and beyond. While we are called to actively respond to our yearly Church` life (specific season in our liturgical calendar), we courageously profess that we are sons and daughters of the Risen Christ. We dedicate our daily Christian life centered in Christ who is Risen, live actively in reality with patience while welcoming the promptings of the Holy Spirit always. Let us carry-out together with open hearts the mission and vision of the so-called pilgrim Church. 

While we together celebrate Easter, let us at the same time reflect on what is it to be a member of the Pilgrim Church, and how is it to be considered (specially coined for the Jubilee year 2025) Pilgrims of Hope. 

Once I was told during my formative years at the seminary and even during my early priestly life that a determined person wanting to definitely reach one`s goal or targeted final destination should not be affected by things, situation, environment and even by other people along the way. Once I was even told that I should be like a horse in a race with its two eyes covered with a shield on either side so that it cannot be disturbed by its surroundings and can only run straight ahead, in which case, it will be able to run quickly to the finish & final line. Indeed, it can be very effective words of motivation for you and for me, and most especially for many young people wishing to do well in life in this world. I thought the same too for a while. I wondered however if a horse in a race can still be compared to the journey of the present Church in pilgrimage. In the contrary, each member can be fishers of men while in a journey. May each one remain fully aware of the surroundings, and be able to actively respond to what is truly needed along the journey. We all hope that the Pilgrims of Hope will continue to increase. May the increasing pilgrims be mindful of some others who may seem to be tired and sick, and are seemingly being left behind.

Commemorating the Holy Year, let us all together take care of all creations responsibly.

Happy Easter to all!