Dear people of the Diocese of Victoria,
Alleluia, Alleluia! Jesus is risen; Easter has arrived and brought us through Lent.
Our Lenten journey of persistent hope brings us to a new beginning of life in Christ and a new conversation beyond the tired and failed words of battle, war, and victory.
Indeed, these past 40 days of Lent has brought us through new deserts of the age-old temptations which Jesus himself found in the wilderness—consumption (turn these stones into bread), conquering (the kingdoms of the world will be yours), and control (do not put the Lord to the test).
These tired temptations will always give the illusion of a prosperous life and security, but true freedom—new and eternal life—comes only through the Crosses of Humility, Dialogue, and Peace.
“Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 10:26, 10:28, 10:31, 14:27, 17:7, 28:10; Mark 5:36, 6:50; Luke 5:10, 8:50, 12:7, 12:32, John 6:30, 14:27) These words, spoken by Jesus time and again throughout the Gospels, are not just a reassurance but a call to trust in Him, even in times of uncertainty. Fear can hold us back, but Christ’s resurrection is the ultimate sign that hope prevails.
Today, as we hear the Easter Proclamation, this message takes on a new urgency for God’s people in this Year of a Jubilee of Hope. We are invited to embrace courage, to live as people of faith, and to be bearers of Christ’s hope in a world that longs for renewal.
Exult, let them exult, the hosts of heaven,
exult, let Angel ministers of God exult,
let the trumpet of salvation
sound aloud our mighty King’s triumph!
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, may our hearts burn within us as Christ speaks to us. In recognizing Him, the disciples turned back to Jerusalem—not with resigned bitterness, resentment, or regret, but transformed by their encounter with the Risen Christ. Nourished by His life of hope, they returned with a desire to share that hope with all people.
Just as the disciples returned to Jerusalem bearing hope, I invite you to bring hope to others by joyfully living and serving as witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. In a world weighed down by uncertainty, division, and despair, we are called to be messengers of resurrection joy and help turn fear into faith. It is this quiet work of love that expands and transforms, making space for new life.
This Easter season, may we all hear and accept the words of Christ: “Do not be afraid.” Let us be signs of hope, reminding the world that death and fear do not have the final word—love and faith do.
In the peace of Christ, Happy Easter.
Most Reverend Gary Gordon
Bishop of Victoria
