This is indeed a good opportunity for all of us to be on a journey with Jesus, entering into the paschal mystery of his passion, death and resurrection. As we trod the path of our Master and Lord, we are given a chance to relive the painful steps taken by the first disciples who struggled to arrive at the conviction that Jesus is the Lord. In this journey we are assured that Jesus himself will walk ahead of us, "They were on the road going up to Jerusalem and Jesus was walking ahead of them and they were amazed and those who followed were afraid." (Mk 10:32). He calls us to be with him, to with him and yet he is always ahead of us, always preparing the way and takes us with him toward the new and the unexpected and at times, frightening future. 

During the celebration for most of us the words of the scripture became alive. As John describes in the book of glory (John ch 13-21), the paschal mystery begins with the washing of the feet of his disciple, and followed by his passion, death and finally the apex of Jesus' mission the resurrection on Easter. Having studied the book of glory, it really helped us to enter deeper into the paschal mystery of Jesus.  

This celebration has not only turned out to be a spiritual journey but also a journey with the people whom we encountered during our stay at home. All of us shared the joy of being at home with our parents during the celebration and we saw the glow of joy shine in the eyes of our parents, bothers and sisters. Being at home, the pivot of our lives, celebrating the pivot of the mystery of salvation sacramentally was particularly joyful. This Easter celebration has given us the opportunity to share our time with the parish priests assisting in whatever ways we can during the liturgical celebration and more so, celebrating together with them. One of us remarked that he was amazed at the joy of the people who were sick as they waited to receive communion. This has brought an added joy during the celebration. Some of us helped our parents to clean up the homes and later joined with some of the parishioners to clean the church to await the dawn of his glorious resurrection. 

Another person, was touched by the gathering of the people in his parish. During this gathering, he encountered a group of foreign workers who came from Flores, Indonesia and they had been here for three or four years but never had a chance to come to the church due to some problems. And for the first time, they were able to join in this celebration. To his joy, his parish priest recognized their presence and went to meet them; after which, he decided to visit them at their homes. This incident has brought about certain meaning and joy in his Easter celebration.  
 

The disciples, as they encountered the Risen Lord, were totally empowered. Their lives were no longer the same. There was some kind of transformation in their lives. It is same with us. The message of Jesus is not easily understood and each year it brings a renewed experience and a new meaning to our lives and faith. Sometimes this radical transformation that we sometimes experience cannot be "proven". It can only be lived. Even those who live out this implication may stammer to articulate its deepest meaning and significance. It lies beyond the power of human language. Perhaps this is the same with those who first witnessed the resurrection of the Lord. But it is a fact that his resurrection has transformed our lives, changed our attitudes and challenged our faith. We are now an Easter people, a people of love, hope and life and our song of praise is "Alleluia!"