Br Malvino Alfonso
Easter proclaims that Christ is risen, that life triumphs over death, hope over despair, and light over darkness. But Easter isn’t just about something that happened 2,000 years ago. It’s also about what continues to happen in our world, in our communities, and in our hearts today.
The historical and liturgical roots
The Easter celebration begins on Holy Saturday night with the Easter Vigil, often called the “mother of all vigils.” Rich in symbolism, the liturgy begins after nightfall with the blessing of fire and the lighting of the Paschal (Easter) Candle, symbolizing Christ as the light that shatters the darkness. A procession leads the congregation into the church, now illuminated by this one flame, and the ancient hymn Exsultet is sung in praise of the risen Christ.
A series of readings from the Bible follow—stories that trace God's love and salvation throughout history. Then, joyfully, the Gloria is sung, and the Alleluia rings out for the first time since the beginning of Lent. If there are baptismal candidates, they are welcomed through the Sacrament of Baptism. Otherwise, the congregation renews their baptismal promises, affirming their faith in the Risen Christ. The Mass then continues with the celebration of the Eucharist, the heart of Catholic worship.
On Easter morning, the joy continues with the Resurrection Mass, where churches bloom with flowers, and the songs resound with Alleluia.
What Easter teaches us
While Easter is deeply rooted in Christian theology, its message speaks universally. Whether you’re a person of deep faith or just someone looking for meaning in a troubled world, Easter offers a powerful and timely lesson.
Hope is stronger than despair
The story of Jesus rising from the dead is a powerful declaration that no night is so dark that it can extinguish the light of dawn. In a world facing war, injustice, suffering, and loneliness, Easter calls us to believe that hope can rise again, even from the most broken situations.
Love conquers hate
The Resurrection affirms that love—sacrificial, selfless, enduring love—has the final word. The Cross, once a symbol of death and cruelty, becomes a symbol of victory through the Resurrection. It’s a reminder to respond to hatred not with more hatred, but with mercy and compassion.
Life doesn’t end at the grave
For Christians, Easter is not just about metaphorical resurrection—it is the promise of eternal life. But even for those less religious, Easter points to the power of renewal, second chances, and the enduring value of every human life.
We are called to rise too
Easter isn’t just about Christ rising. It’s about us rising—from the things that weigh us down: fear, guilt, division, and sin. It invites us to be renewed in heart and spirit, to live differently, to forgive more freely, and to walk with a lighter step into the world.
Easter in the world today
In an age of fast news, growing division, and uncertainty, the message of Easter is not outdated. It is more relevant than ever. It teaches us that goodness is never wasted, that suffering is never the end of the story, and that change—real, transformative change—is always possible.
Easter urges believers and seekers alike to live with greater compassion, to be people of light in dark times, and to recognize that every small act of kindness, forgiveness, and truth participates in the resurrection.
A Day that never ends
Easter Sunday is a day that changed history, and for those who believe, it continues to change hearts. It’s a call to celebrate life, to rise above despair, and to witness to a the world continues to deeply need or long for hope
Whether you're lighting a candle in church, singing an Alleluia, sharing a meal with family, or just stepping outside to greet the dawn—Easter invites you to believe in the possibility of something more.
A season of joy, not just a day
Interestingly, Easter isn’t just one Sunday. In the Catholic tradition, it marks the beginning of a 50-day season, culminating in Pentecost. As early as the third century, the Church described these fifty days as “one great Sunday.” Every Sunday during this season reflects a different encounter with the risen Christ—from His appearance to Mary Magdalene in the garden, to His walk with the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and finally, the gift of the Holy Spirit.
This extended celebration reminds us that resurrection is not a moment—it’s a movement, one that continues through our lives and into the world.