"He saw and believed." (Jn 20:8b)

Easter is such a special and important event that the Church has a forty-day preparation (Lenten season) to help us appreciate and celebrate it. Indeed, the resurrection of Christ is the basic truth of our Christian faith. All the Gospels give witness to this event (Mt 28:1-20; Mk 16:9-20; Lk 24:1-9; Jn 20:1-18). If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain (1 Cor 15:14).

On Easter Vigil, the resurrection of Christ is proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word, He is not here; he has risen! (Lk 24:6). To us who believe, this is a statement of faith. We confess that Jesus is alive because the event was witnessed and recorded by His beloved disciple, He saw and believed (Jn 20:8b).

The fast-paced society today may not see the relevance of Easter. But to us believers, the image of the "empty tomb" is a powerful sign of hope. Christ's tomb is empty because He has risen. He is here in our midst and continues to journey with us. Generations after generations, He offers to accompany humankind through the rough seas of life, and comforts those who believe in Him: Do not be afraid! For us who "see and believe," no amount of sufferings or pains, abuses or humiliations, injustices or restrictions, can shake our faith and hope in Him who is alive!

I praise God that Easter celebration in our churches has always been packed with churchgoers. It is a manifestation of our faith in the Risen Lord. But our demonstration of faith should not be seasonal, a once or twice a year coming to the church. It has to be continuous; if not daily, it should, at least, be a weekly gathering in the Sunday Eucharist. For it is in the Eucharist that we demonstrate our faith and hope in the Risen Lord.

To all the neophytes who are baptised this Easter, welcome to the family of believers!

I thank God for the gift of faith which you have received. I urge you to remain credible witnesses of the Risen Lord through your words and deeds.

And for those who have been Catholics for many years, may the renewal of baptismal promises this Easter realign your priorities in life and make Christ your centre, for He said: I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing (Jn 15:5).

Happy and joyful Easter to you and your loved ones!