Fr. Bob’s Homily – Easter Sunday

If there is one word that describes the essence of the Christian faith, it is “Easter.” In celebrating Easter, we are celebrating victory – the victory of the Son of God over humanity’s greatest enemy: death.

Today, the Christian world rejoices in the Feast of the Resurrection of Jesus. It is quite marvelous, when we stop to think about it. After lying in a tomb for three days, he comes forth victorious, ending eternal death once and for all.

It’s sometimes hard to truly imagine. It was difficult even for the Apostles to believe. But as St. John tells us, “This is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.” Our faith in Christ’s divinity proclaims that He has risen in power and glory.

On Easter Sunday, without any doubts or questions, we unite in the Alleluia of the Church. We magnify God and with joyful hearts, we look forward with gladness to the everlasting peace and joy of eternal life.

But the resurrection we celebrate today is not merely God’s response to the problem of death. It speaks as much about living as it does about dying. Christ’s resurrection is a powerful symbol that both this world and the world to come are full of new beginnings. If we strive to live as He died, His resurrection transforms every sunset into a radiant, glorious dawn – but only if we allow Him to.

The resurrection is also a promise that one day, every tomb – just like Christ’s – will be empty. It assures us that life will not end with death. Jesus is alive, and that is why we, as the Church, gather today to celebrate this powerful truth.

The Church’s Jubilee Year in 2025 carries the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” In hindsight, the first disciples were pilgrims of hope. 

They journeyed towards the tomb on that first Easter morning with uncertainty, yet they were still searching for Christ. Their path to the empty tomb was a pilgrimage and the Lord gave them hope in the resurrection.

We, too, are pilgrims of hope, and we are invited to live each day with the joy and expectation of Easter. No matter the challenges we face, Christ’s victory over death promises us a future filled with hope, redemption, and eternal life.

Jesus made it quite clear when He said, “I come that you might have life and have it abundantly.”  Because of Christ, we are radically different from who we would have been if He had never come; if He had not carried His cross to Calvary. Our lives should reflect that transformation.

This Easter, let that transformation be your challenge. Begin anew. Look around you and ask yourself, “Are there less lonely people because I am here to be a friend? Are there less hungry people because I have helped feed them? Is there more love in the world because I have spread it?”

Allow Christ’s resurrection to not only be a victory over death, but to also be a victory for the goodness of life in the here and now; a victory for the service of others.

My friends, Christ is risen. It is now our job as Christians to be His hands and feet, and His voice. We must continue His work, walk His path and speak His truth.

The Franciscan Friars of the Atonement wish you a Happy and Blessed Easter. You remain in our hearts and prayers always, and especially during this Easter season. We continue to pray that the risen Lord bestows His blessings upon you.