Easter Sunday: Alleluia! Praise God! Thanks be to God!

04-05-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

In a homily at the Cathedral of Hippo, St. Augustine said: You are an Easter people, and Alleluia is your song.

Over a year into our New Church construction and now nearing completion, I joyfully greet you: A Blessed Easter, Alleluia! As we mark this milestone, let us be Easter people - celebrating this achievement and witnessing to Christ. May joy and hope continue to grow in our community, bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The greeting "Alleluia" means "Praise God." In ancient Hebrew, it means "Thanks be to God." Given this, to be an Easter person is to be full of praise and thanksgiving to God. This is an invitation to adopt a disposition of gratitude for everything—for life itself as we continue to live—and to thank God for every person in our lives for being part of our journey. Remember: Some people are a blessing, and others are a lesson.

Continuing with this theme, Christians are like a light bulb, with the power to brighten others—and to enlighten ourselves and the people we meet. The illumination varies in intensity from occasion to occasion. Most of us may be 25 watts when we wake up. But as soon as we complete our morning rituals, we are up to 50 or even 75 watts. And we brighten up to 100 watts when we experience love from God, family, and friends. With light bulbs, someone controls the switch—us. We can switch it on and walk with our lights on, helping to brighten the world, or we can turn the dimmer down and let our lights dim, bringing darkness and gloom around us.

Let us be Easter people, shining light into dark places. Alleluia! Thanks be to God! Embrace love, joy, peace, patience, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, kindness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22–23). Jesus has risen and kept His promise—Alleluia! Abide in His love. He has poured the Holy Spirit into us. Like rainbows, we carry hope for tomorrow. The joy of Easter people reveals God’s presence. Christ’s resurrection fills us with JOY.

As Easter people, we radiate joy. Despite challenges, including the construction of our new church, we remain grateful for God’s guidance and others’ generosity. We joyfully proclaim: Alleluia! Thanks be to God!

This Easter season, remember to thank God for everything—the blessings and the challenges. For broken dreams, for hope and hopelessness, for love, peace, generosity, and every moment, we proclaim: Alleluia! Thanks be to God.

A Blessed Easter to All!