Today’s Gospel invites us to walk with the first disciples as they search for meaning after Jesus’ death. Like them, we come to the empty tomb, asking: Where is He now?

The answer is clear:

• The stone is rolled away! He is not in the tomb — He is risen!
• He has returned to the Father but remains among us.
• He is found in the gathered community of believers in the risen Christ.

Yes, He is with us! The risen Christ dwells in us and among us. Now, we must choose to walk with Him, live in His presence, and partner in His mission. On this Easter Sunday, let us open our hearts to the endless possibilities God has prepared for us. He is alive. Let us live in His light!

Let us rejoice in the glorious light of Easter Sunday and bring our hearts before the risen Lord.

MAY YOU BE BLESSED ON THIS EASTER! 

FR. PETE EASTER’S MESSAGE 

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

In the gospel of the first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb while it is still dark, burdened with grief and uncertainty. But she finds not death but an empty tomb and a rolled-away stone. Confused and searching, she asks, “Where have they laid Him?”

This is the question of many hearts today: Where is Jesus?

The Gospel of John gives us the answer. He is not in the tomb. He is alive! And He reveals Himself not in grand displays of power but personally by calling Mary by name. At that moment, her sorrow turned to joy, her confusion to clarity, and she ran to proclaim, “I have seen the Lord!”

This Easter, I invite you to step into Mary Magdalene’s experience. We, too, may come with burdens, doubts, or fears, but Christ is closer than we realize. We may have many questions about our Church and the many things happening in the Archdiocese, but Christ is with us. He did not leave us orphaned. He calls each of us by name. He is present in our lives, our faith community, and the mission we are called to partner with. HE IS WITH US!

May we, like Mary, open our hearts to the risen Christ and boldly share His Good News. He is alive! Hope is restored! Love has triumphed!

A blessed and joyful Easter to you and your loved ones!

Rev. Pete D. Literal, Pastor