Dear Sons and Daughters of St Joseph’s Parish Busselton,
“Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” (Matt. 28:5-6, NRSVCE)
Indeed, the Lord has truly risen. Alleluia! Just as the angel announced to Mary of Magdala and the other women, we ought not be afraid, because Jesus has put an end to sin and death. New life has been made available to all who place their faith in Him. What a glorious time then can Easter be said to be. A time for new beginnings. A time to leave behind all distractions, all hurts, and all struggles. We carry them alongside Jesus on the road to Calvary and then leave them at the foot of the Cross. Free of all that holds us back, Our Lord then transforms us through His Resurrection. This is made manifest in the Easter Liturgy when Catechumens are baptised, Candidates are confirmed, and together we renew our baptismal promises. We enter into Christ’s suffering, where we surrender all that burdens us; His death, where those burdens are destroyed by His power; and His Resurrection, where we are reborn as Sons and Daughters of God the Father. This Easter then, let us seize the opportunity for a new beginning in Christ Jesus. Let us recommit ourselves to Him who has sought out the lost and lonely and drawn them to Himself, giving them new life. May this Easter be for us all a time of renewed hope and joy as we journey on together with hearts that burn for Christ.
Peace be with you,
Fr Jaybee Bonghanoy, MSP (Parish Priest)
Fr Nathan Barrie, KHS (Assistant Priest)