Dear people of God,

The Lord has risen indeed, Alleluia! Alleluia!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to our Christian faith, for if Christ had not risen from the dead, then, our faith in him would have been in vain (1 Cor 15:14). The resurrection of Jesus Christ was the dominant message proclaimed in the early church. Jesus during his ministry had prophesied his resurrection when he stated that, “the Son of man was destined to suffer grievously, and to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death, and after three days to rise again.” (Mark 8:31)

By his resurrection, Jesus triumphed over evil and over any situation that holds us in bondage. We recall the joy the Jews had when they escaped from their place of slavery in Egypt and eluded the Egyptian army who chased after them. When they had miraculously crossed the Red Sea, they sang a song of Joy in praise of God:

I will sing to the Lord, glorious his triumph!
Horse and rider you have thrown into the sea!
The Lord is my strength, my song, my salvation.
This is my God and I extol him,
my father’s God and I give him praise (Ps 15:1-2)

Our hearts too like the Jews in the desert are full of Joy because Jesus’ resurrection assures us of our redemption. Since Jesus has set us free through his passion, death, and resurrection, we ought to examine our consciences as individuals and as a church to ensure that we are not holding anyone in bondage.

We acknowledge and apologise for all forms of abuses and injustices that may have been perpetuated in the church in the past, or the church may have turned a blind eye to. Here, I mention the evil of Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the heinous crime of child abuse that had been perpetuated by members of the church, which included Clergy, Religious and Laity. We acknowledge that such negative behaviours by some members of the church faithful especially those in leadership are inimical to the Good News of freedom from oppression proclaimed by Christ and which he won for us by his suffering, death and resurrection. We ask for forgiveness from all those who are feeling betrayed or hurt by the church.

The resurrection of Jesus marks a new beginning. God had prophesied through the mouth of Prophet Isaiah that He was going to do something new: “For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun!” (Is 43:19-20). Hence, this is a time of a new beginning; a time to reconnect with the church if you have drifted from her. Easter is also a time of the Lord’s jubilee when those held in bondage (like in jubilees of old) are set free (Lev 25:8-18). Just as Jesus has set us free from our sins, so are we invited to expunge all forms of oppressiveness from our lives.

Let us allow the light of the risen Christ to shine into our lives, dispelling the darkness of sin and addictions, healing our hurts and bringing back joy and hope into our lives. Jesus can transform your life for he said, “come to me all you who are burdened and heavy laden, I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28).

As you approach the throne of God’s mercy that Jesus Christ has won for you through his resurrection may you receive grace upon grace! Amen.

Happy Easter!