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 EASTER VIGIL – Homily by Fr. Isaac Chima

Theme: Christ’s Resurrection: A Promise of Our Final Triumph

Beloved friends, we have arrived at that extraordinary night when light conquers darkness, the night when the Most High prevents death from claiming any victory over us. Yet, as we gather in this sacred moment, several questions stir within my heart, yearning for answers.

I invite you, dear friends, to ponder these questions with me. Have you ever imagined what our world would look like if Christ had not risen from the dead? Have you considered the values that would shape our lives if Christ’s resurrection had never taken place? It is essential to remember that God the Father spent centuries preparing humanity for the coming of His only Son.

From the moment humanity fell through Adam and Eve, God resolved to restore us to our original dignity. To accomplish this, He chose the people of Israel, sending priests and prophets to guide them in obedience and prepare them for the coming of His Son. The readings of this holy night beautifully recount this long journey of salvation. The entire world waited for the arrival of the Son of God. Yet, when He finally came, the world did not recognize Him. The devil had blinded the hearts of many, especially among the Jews of His time. The same devil who caused Adam’s fall sought to lead humanity into another defeat.

Moved by this evil influence, they arrested the Son of God, subjected Him to an unjust trial, and crucified Him. They condemned the very One who came to free them from the grip of darkness. What a tragic moment in history—the apparent end of the long-awaited Messiah. In the devil’s plan, the death of Jesus was meant to be humanity’s second great defeat, following the first in Adam.

Dear friends, if Christ had not risen from the dead, God’s plan to liberate us from evil would have suffered a devastating blow. Without the resurrection, the story of Jesus would have faded into history as a mere tale—interesting, perhaps, but powerless. If Jesus had not conquered death, evil would have reigned, injustice would have become normal, and darkness would have overshadowed the light. Goodness would have been swallowed by malevolence.

But, beloved friends, death did not have the final word in the story of Jesus. God ensured that the life of His beloved Son did not end on the cross. Instead, a new chapter began—one that proclaims forever, saying, He defeated death and rose again.

Therefore, dear ones, we stand victorious because Christ is victorious. His triumph becomes the foundation of our hope. With His resurrection as our strength, we can face our crosses with confidence. In our personal journeys—through struggles, hardships, trials, and tribulations—we know that death and despair will never have the last word. The resurrection assures us of our own victory over life’s challenges.

Tonight, the Church invites us to lift our voices and fix our gaze on the cross of Christ, boldly declaring that our struggles will not last forever. Childlessness will not have the final say. Joblessness will not have the final say. Hatred will not have the final say. Sickness will not have the final say. Hunger will not have the final say. The resurrection of Christ is our guarantee.

Easter is a season of miracles for Christians, because—as St Paul reminds us—if we suffer and die with Him, we shall also live and reign with Him in glory.

Happy Easter

Fr Isaac Chima