Sunday, April 05, 2026

Dear brothers and sisters

“Christ’s resurrection is the strength, the secret of Christianity. It is not a question of mythology or of mere symbolism, but of a concrete event. It is confirmed by sure and convincing proofs. The acceptance of this truth, although the fruit of the Holy Spirit’s grace, rests at the same time on a solid historical base. On the threshold of the third millennium, the new effort of evangelization can begin only from a renewed experience of this Mystery, accepted in faith and witnessed to in life.” (St. John Paul II).

After journeying with the Church through the Lenten season, Holy Week, and especially the Sacred Triduum, we are welcomed into the joy of Easter, a season in which we proclaim the climax of our Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In this celebration, we renew our baptismal promises and rejoice in the redemp-tion of humanity when death was defeated, forgiveness was poured out, and new life in God’s grace began. This radiant season teaches us how to be joyful even in suffering, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, and grateful as we walk each day with Christ. Easter joy is not a denial of hardship, but a confidence that suffering does not have the final word. In a world marked by conflict, grief, and uncertainty, this wonderful season as-sures us that love is stronger than death, hope is not in vain, eternal life is real, and that Jesus is truly the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

The Easter Sunday Mass is filled with powerful symbols that proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the new life that we share in Him. Foremost among these is the Paschal Candle, the primary symbol of Easter. Lit from the new fire at the Easter Vigil, it represents Christ as the risen, glorious, and triumphant Light of the World. Its steady flame throughout the Easter season is a visible reminder that the light of Christ can never be extinguished. Water is another profound symbol in Easter season to signify purification, new birth, and partic-ipation in the risen life of the Lord. During the Mass, when we renew our baptismal promises and may be sprinkled with blessed water, we recall the Sacrament of Baptism, through which we are cleansed from sin, reborn as children of God, and united to Christ in His death and resurrection. The use of white and gold vest-ments, along with colorful flowers and radiant light, further expresses the joy of the Resurrection. These visi-ble signs proclaim victory, glory, and the beauty of new life restored. The brightness of the celebration stands in striking contrast to the solemn simplicity of Lent. Finally, although not always represented physically, the empty tomb remains the central symbol behind the entire celebration. Its very emptiness becomes the sign of victory. It announces that the Lord is risen and marks the beginning of new life in His redeeming grace. To-gether, these symbols proclaim the heart of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of La Vang!

Reverend Kiet Anh Ta.