SAS-Center for Christian Formation

Happy Easter, dear Anthonians! 😇

Sharing to you the Easter message of our School Director, Rev. Fr. Emilio A. Ascan̈o, LRMS...

“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb…The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. (Matthew 28:1&5)

The message of Christ’s Resurrection is being announced to you today—can you hear it? Can you recognize the voice of the angel from Heaven? If you can, the first words you’ll notice are: “Do not be afraid!”

Fear fuels hopelessness …fear destroys hope…that is why in a time when Jesus’ disciples were grappling with uncertainty, an angelic messenger was quick to tell the women: “Do not be afraid!”

Fear often blocks us from truly receiving God’s Word. While the enemy tries to fill us with fear, God’s angelic messengers bring hope and peace. So ask yourself—are you letting fear get in the way of hearing the message of our Salvation?

The angel also said, “I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.” These women were still expecting to find His dead body—they hadn’t fully understood the truth of the Resurrection. In a similar way, we too can become fixated on our the uncertainties we are facing these days, our losses, our pain, our grief, or hardships.

But God wants to take those very crosses and transform them into something new and glorious—just as He raised Jesus from the dead. The angel’s words, “He is not here, for He has been raised, just as He said,” remind us that suffering isn’t the end—God brings new life from it.

Lastly, the angel invited them to see the empty tomb, then sent them to tell the others: “He has been raised from the dead.” Once we truly believe in Jesus’ death and Resurrection, we can’t keep it to ourselves. We’re called to share this Good News. The joy and hope of the Resurrection are meant to be shared…This is our greatest privilege….it is a privilege that brings hope.

On this Easter Sunday, , reflect upon the most glorious, awe-inspiring, life-changing message of Christ’s Resurrection. If you find that you do not understand this message, then this Easter Season is an important time for you.

It is moment in which you dispel any fear that clouds your judgment or thinking.

It is a moment when you listen most attentively in faith.

It is a moment when you hear God speak to you about His glorious triumph over sin and death.

It is a moment when you pe*****te more fully the mystery of the Resurrection.

And it is a moment when you recommit yourself to go forth and share that message with others.

Let us listen to the angelic message. While fear shakes us to our core, the message of the resurrection enlightens us to hope.

Receive the message and allow Christ’s Resurrection to change your life forever.