Easter 2025

Dear brothers and sisters, 

Once again, we will celebrate Easter with the world at war. Ukraine remains locked in a battle for survival that began when Russia launched an unprovoked invasion. In Sudan, a civil war that is in its third year has displaced more than 13 million people. Israel, on defense after a brutal assault, has practically razed Gaza. The world’s superpowers are poised on the brink of an economic contest that may reshape the world order as we know it. In such a situation, it may be difficult to see how one celebrates with hope in the power of the resurrection. 

In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged this paradox in his Urbi et Orbi address.  

Dear brothers and sisters, Easter does not work magic. Just as the Israelites found the desert awaiting them on the far side of the Red Sea, so the Church, after the resurrection, always finds history filled with joy and hope, grief and anguish. And yet, this history is changed. It is marked by a new and eternal covenant, it is truly open to the future. For this reason, saved by hope, let us continue our pilgrimage, bearing in our hearts the song that is ancient and yet ever new: “Let us sing to the Lord: glorious his triumph!” 

There is this wonderful, almost throw away line, in the story of Jesus’ appearance at Emmaus. Jesus draws near and walks along with the disciples who were fleeing Jerusalem, “but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him” (Lk 24:16). That is, God prevented them from recognizing Jesus at first. Why? So that he could slowly lead them to faith by teaching the scriptures that referred to him and by inviting them into the Breaking of the Bread. So that he could slowly lead them to a solid faith that would empower them to run back to Jerusalem to share the news of his resurrection and await the promised Holy Spirit. 

Jesus still seeks to help us recognize him and the meaning of his resurrection by accompanying us and helping us to see the seeds of new life even in the midst of our fears. Christians continue to face the harsh reality of the world, but we do so with the certain knowledge that Jesus lives and is with us. His Holy Spirit accompanies us through the valleys of our age. We are pilgrims of hope. 

This is more than a motto for the Jubilee year; it is an expression of Easter faith. Here is Pope Francis proclaiming the resurrection at the Easter Vigil of 2020: “Today, as pilgrims in search of hope, we cling to you, Risen Jesus. We turn our backs on death and open our hearts to you, for you are Life itself.”  

He is risen! Yes, He is risen indeed! Though his poor are still with us, though merchants of death are yet to acknowledge his victory, though the command to feed the hungry and provide shelter to the homeless are as necessary as ever, with Lazarus at the doorstep of our homes, we proclaim the victory of Jesus Christ! He is with us, and death will never again have the final word. With great patience he reveals himself to us, little by little, and opens our hearts to charity and to newness of life.  

Happy Easter, everyone! May the Lord of life help you and me come to a strong faith. A faith that inspires charity. A faith that will allow us to proclaim the Good News. A faith that announces that Jesus has conquered death. A faith that will sustain our labor for justice as we await His return in glory.

United with you as Pilgrims of Hope,
+Bishop John Iffert