Easter Message 2025

During this most sacred season in the Christian calendar, the Universal catholic Church gathers as one body to remember and give thanks for what Almighty God has done for us all. The Christian message, in its essence, remains profoundly simple: it centres on One Man, One Cross, and One redemption—once and for all time—to the glory of God the Father.

On Good Friday, We throughout the world pause in reverence and prayer, reflecting upon the immeasurable sacrifice made by our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross.

And why, we may ask, is the Gospel of the Cross so vital to the Faith? Because it reveals to mankind the deepest expression of divine love. To some, it is a stumbling block. To others, it appears as foolishness. But to those who believe, it is the very power of God unto salvation.

In the Hebrew Scriptures, we read of a time when the children of Israel, wandering through the wilderness, turned in rebellion against the Lord. As a consequence, fiery serpents were sent among them, and many perished. When the people repented, God instructed Moses to lift a bronze serpent upon a pole, and all who looked upon it would live.

Our Lord Jesus Himself referred to this moment, saying, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” That bronze image symbolised the people’s sin. Likewise, Christ—who was without sin—became sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

But there is this notable distinction: the Israelites were saved by looking; we are saved by believing. For the Cross of Christ, though accomplished two thousand years ago, speaks across the ages. It was a once-for-all act. Nothing more is required than faith.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

— John 3:16

Three days after His crucifixion, sorrow was turned into joy. The tomb was found empty. Death was vanquished. And so the Church proclaims with gladness:

He is Risen! He is Alive!

This same Jesus who was crucified is risen from the dead, opening the path to eternal life for all who place their trust in Him—to the everlasting glory of God the Father.

On this Resurrection Sunday, the Church rejoices in the triumph of our Saviour, the victory over sin and the grave. That which began in mourning has become a day of radiant joy.

And yet, my reflection this Easter also turns to an account found shortly after Christ’s resurrection and ascension into Heaven.

In the Book of Acts, the Sanhedrin—Israel’s religious council—found itself confronting the emergence of this new and growing community of Jesus followers. In the midst of their deliberation, a respected Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law and mentor to Saul of Tarsus, rose to speak. He reminded them of others who had claimed to be messiah, who perished, and whose movements came to nothing. Then he spoke these words of measured wisdom:

“If this plan or undertaking is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God.”

— Acts 5:38–39

Had the message of Jesus been false, it would have faded into history. But it did not. For God raised Jesus from the dead. He appeared to more than 500 witnesses, including the disciples, His brothers James and Jude, and the women who followed Him. And He continues, to this very day, to pour out His Spirit into the hearts of those who truly believe.

Nearly two millennia have passed. Yet the Church stands, not in her own strength, but upheld by the power of the living Christ.

Gamaliel’s test still holds: If it were of men, it would have ended in the first century. But it has not—because it is of God.

Jesus the Messiah lives—today and forevermore.

May Almighty God bless all his people this Easter with peace, truth, and the sure hope of the resurrection.

Nathan B