April 17, 2022
My dear friends, just when we thought the impact of the pandemic in our country was subsiding and getting less onerous as compared to the past two years, the sudden eruption of war in Ukraine made many of us wonder how would this new global crisis affect our lives besides the obvious. We worry for the unfortunate victims of this war, directly and indirectly. Indeed, the world is shaken up again… and dreading the possible worst scenario it may evolve into. Yet, the Good News of Easter is that Jesus is alive and with us! So, through these crises, we do not fear, rather, trust in His power to deliver us. We are not overwhelmed by our crosses and worries but find strength in the Lord to carry them. We do not give up when we sin but believe that God’s mercy is way greater than our greatest sin! Therefore, let us share the Good News of Resurrection just like the disciples who witnessed it! So proudly, let others see your genuine love for God and your trust in Him and your joy and serenity in following His ways. Continue to share your time and blessings with others especially those in the margins, literally and metaphorically. Better than a commercial way of celebrating Easter is to make Jesus’ compassion and love alive in us, for others to share. As we renew our Baptismal promises at Mass this Sunday, let it be a solemn declaration of our personal and collective desire to become bearers of light, hope and peace so that people who are beset with fears and anxieties of the unknown will feel the contagion of someone who was saved by Christ, the Lord of Mercy and Victory!
Happy Easter fellow believers!
Fr Ariel Lustan
St. Anthony of Padua Parish