Reflection for April 20, 2025

​Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord (C)

Acts 10:34A, 37-43 | Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23 | 1 Corinthians 5:6B-8 | John 20:1-9

​The psalmist says today, "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!" On this Easter Sunday, let's remember that our faith is stronger than life itself, and Jesus is more powerful than death. By rising from the dead, Christ has opened a path to true life for all of us. He’s inviting us to let go of our old ways and embrace a new, transformed life in Him.

A devout Christian once watched Mother Teresa as she cleaned a maggot-infested wound of a Hindu and fed starving Muslims on the streets. He asked, "Why are you helping them? They’re not Christians, right?" Mother Teresa simply replied, "But I am a Christian."
In our First Reading, Peter initially believed that the Messiah was only meant for the Jews, but God had to challenge this view. Peter then understood that God doesn’t have favorites—He accepts everyone who fears Him and does what is right, no matter their background. Jesus suffered, died, and rose again for all people, not just one group. Because of this, Peter preached that the old divisions between Jews and Gentiles no longer matter. Jesus came to break down the walls that separate us, and salvation is a gift for all humanity. This universal salvation calls for us, an Easter people, to move beyond cultural, religious, and political divisions and to show respect for the life of every person.

Rodrigo was standing in front of the mirror, unsure if his shirt was "church-worthy." He turned to Olivia and asked, "Do you think I should change?" With a grin, Olivia looked up from the kitchen and replied, "Well, that depends—are you talking about changing your shirt or making a wholesale change as a human being?" Rodrigo laughed, "Ouch. Is it that bad?" "Let’s just say, the shirt is the least of your worries," Olivia replied. Rodrigo chuckled, "Okay, okay, maybe I should change both."

In our second reading, Paul encourages us to cleanse our lives of sin, much like removing leaven from dough. Leaven represents corruption and symbolizes the negative habits and influences that can take hold of our hearts and minds. Just as we wouldn't wear a torn or stained shirt, we shouldn't let sin taint our spirit. When we put on a fresh shirt, we feel renewed, free from past stains. Similarly, "putting on Christ" means embracing purity, sincerity, and truth. Christ, our Passover lamb, was sacrificed for us, calling us to live in His grace and leave behind the old ways. This season of renewal invites us to cleanse our hearts, remove the "leaven" of sin, and embrace the new life Christ offers. On Easter Sunday, as we renew our Baptismal promises, we make a commitment to more than just change our shirt—we decide to transform our whole life by putting on the Resurrected Christ.

One day after Physical Education class at St. Theresa's College in Quezon City, Candice, a blind girl, was in the locker room getting ready for the next class. Suddenly, the lights went out, and all the girls started screaming in panic. Candice, calm as ever, asked the girl next to her, “What happened?” Her friend explained that the lights went out and they couldn’t see anything. Candice, without hesitation, told her, “Don’t worry, take my hand, I’ll guide you out.” That day, Candice’s classmates learned an important lesson—though she may be blind, she isn’t “disabled.” She just sees the world in different ways.

That first Easter morning was filled with chaos and confusion. Mary of Magdala brought devastating news to Peter and the beloved disciple when she rushed to them with the announcement that Jesus’ body was gone. There was awe, disbelief, amazement, confusion—and plenty of running around. Perhaps life has taken a toll on you, too. Maybe it’s hard for you to join in the joyful Alleluias because things are tough right now. But listen: Easter may lead to the light, but it begins in the darkness. Though Easter ultimately brings us to what is high, bright, and clear, it starts in what is low, dim, and murky. It’s been three years since I lost my sight—three years filled with hope, frustration, surgeries, and countless consultations. Six surgeries later, and still no restored vision. But today, I realize something significant: even though my eyes fail me, my heart has learned to see in ways I never expected. Our hope doesn’t rely on what we can physically see. As St. Pope John Paul II said, "We are an Easter people, and Alleluias are our song." Our joy isn’t tied to our circumstances but to the hope we have in Christ, who makes all things beautiful in His time. God is not blind; He sees our struggles, and even though He may not act as we wish, He is doing something far greater than we can imagine. So, I continue to hope, trusting that His plan is always better than mine. The gift of Easter is hope. In times of uncertainty and fear, Easter reminds us that life is worth living. Let’s not forget the Resurrection; let’s rejoice in it, for Jesus is risen indeed, defeating sin and death. A holy and meaningful Easter to all of you.

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