Easter Sunday arrives each year with lilies, Alleluias, and if we are honest with ourselves, the sudden realization that we could have lived Lent a little more…“Lently.” It is not too late. Here we are—joyful, forgiven, and possibly still working through a mountain of challenges (and chocolate). This is the day when the Church bursts into celebration because the tomb is empty, death is defeated, and hope is not just a nice idea—it’s alive!
But let’s be clear: Easter is not just about pastel colors, egg hunts, or finally saying “Alleluia” again without feeling guilty. Easter is about resurrection—and not only Jesus’ resurrection, but ours too. And that’s where baptism comes in.
At baptism, something extraordinary happens. You may not remember it (because you were either very young or very nervous about the water, like the number of adults who were baptized here last night), but in that moment, you were united to Christ’s death and resurrection. You were reborn. In other words, Easter already had and has your name on it. The same power that rolled away the stone rolled into your life. No boulder is too big, no sin too stubborn, no situation too far gone.
So how do we celebrate our baptism this Easter? First, remember it. Literally! Make the Sign of the Cross slowly, maybe even with holy water, and recall that you belong to Christ. You are claimed, chosen, and commissioned—commit yourself one more time to Him.
Second, live like that matters. Baptism isn’t a one-time splash-and-dash; it’s a lifelong calling. It means choosing forgiveness when you’d rather hold a grudge, choosing kindness when sarcasm feels easier, and choosing hope when the world seems stuck in Good Friday. (And yes, it also means resisting the urge to eat all the Easter candy in one sitting—resurrection is powerful, but so is moderation!)
Third, rejoice. Seriously rejoice. As Catholics, we can sometimes get a reputation for being a bit… reserved. Easter is our moment to lean into joy. Sing loudly, smile widely, and embrace the fact that we are His people. If the tomb is empty, we don’t have to be full of worry.
The real meaning of Easter is simple and astonishing: Christ is risen, and because of that, nothing is the same. Not death, not sin, not even you. So go ahead—celebrate boldly, laugh freely, and live your baptism with joy (and not just at Mass). Oh, and maybe share some of that chocolate too!
God bless you, and Happy Resurrection Day!
Fr. J.J.