Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord
April 12, 2020 – Year A
Readings: Acts 10:34A, 37-43 / Ps 118 / Col 3:1-4 / Jn 20:1-9
by Rev. Salvador Añonuevo, Pastor

Every time we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, we always proclaim the mystery of our faith. As we know, our life in this world is in itself already a mystery. Nobody in this world can understand himself or herself completely. For example, even the best medical scientists don’t fully understand the full nature of coronavirus, and that is why they are still not able to find a way to cure those who are afflicted by it.

But the good news is that, even without the aid of a vaccine, which is still nonexistent as we speak, there are now more than four hundred thousand people all over the world who have recovered from COVID-19.

Those who are over sixty years old are the most vulnerable during this pandemic. If you are over sixty, you will be happy to know that Eugene Campbell of Washington, who is eighty-nine years old, William Lapschies of Oregon, who is one hundred and four years old, and Cornelia Ras, of Amsterdam, who is one hundred and seven years old, have one thing in common. They were all afflicted with COVID-19, and they all recovered. Just a few days ago, their doctors declared them free of the disease. So, fellow senior citizens, there is hope!

This is a confirmation of the fact that the Lord God has given us an amazing body that can fight and even kill viruses and other diseases. But the reality is that, no matter how strong or healthy we are at the present moment, our physical bodies will eventually perish. Even Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead, eventually died. But his soul and our souls have life eternal.

In a few minutes, we will once again renew our Baptismal promises, which we always do on Easter Sunday. One part of this is the profession of our belief in the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. This is the reason why you and I, who are baptized Christians, should not be afraid of any virus, or anything, or anybody for that matter. The real you and the real me will live forever.

In this connection, St. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, which we have heard in today’s second reading said, “Brothers and sisters…think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with Him in glory.”