Easter, 2025
Christ is Risen!
He has truly Risen!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Peace be with you this Easter season!
As we gather in spirit to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Eternal Christ, I wish to extend my heartfelt blessings and encouragement. This Easter, we are reminded that through Christ’s resurrection, all is made new, and death itself has been swallowed up in victory. Christ’s triumph over the grave is not merely a historical event, but a living hope that sustains us in every moment, especially in times of trial.
Our present-day experience of the world can often feel unsettling. We are surrounded by voices of division, fear, and uncertainty. Political tensions, social unrest, economic uncertainty, and the numerous other challenges we face as a society can lead us to positions of hopelessness and helplessness, to a belief that when all is said and done, darkness may indeed prevail.
But my dear brothers and sisters, Easter teaches us a truth that transcends all worldly powers and troubles: there is no darkness that can overcome the light of Christ. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the definitive answer to all our fears, doubts, and anxieties. It is the firm foundation on which we can build our lives and ministries.
The apostles faced many challenges, even hostility, after the resurrection. Yet, it was precisely in the face of these challenges that they found the strength to continue their mission. The same is true for us today. The world may be filled with noise and chaos, but the Easter message is clear: Jesus is risen! He has conquered sin and death! And through Him, we too are made victorious.
In our own lives and ministries, we are called to be bearers of this hope, especially when everything seems to be at its darkest point. It is in these moments, when the shadows seem longest, that we are most called to reflect the light of Christ. Let us be men and women of unwavering faith, proclaiming the resurrection not just with our words, but with our actions, with our love for one another, and with the hope that we carry in our hearts.
Let us also remember that we are not alone in this mission. The Church, the Body of Christ, is united in the resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The risen Christ walks with us, sustains us, and strengthens us. And in our collective prayer, our celebration of the Eucharist, and our service to others, we are witnesses to the life-giving power of the resurrection.
In this Easter season, I encourage you to remain steadfast in your faith, to continue to serve with joy, and to look beyond the challenges of the present moment to the promise that despite appearances, all is being restored to divine right order. The world may seem divided, but we are united in Christ, who is our ultimate hope and the blessed assurance of success.
May the joy of the resurrection fill your hearts with peace, and may you, in turn, bring that peace to all those you serve. With deep gratitude for the work that you do, and in prayer that your celebration of the Resurrection will strengthen you in that work, I remain,
Your brother in Christ,
+Mark
Most Rev. Mark Elliott Newman