Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by his death, has destroyed death, and by his rising again, has restored to us everlasting life.
As we gather in our parishes this Easter, our hearts are lifted in joyous celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. Easter is the heartbeat of our faith: light overcomes darkness, hope triumphs over despair, and life emerges victorious from the tomb. We greet each other with the ancient proclamation: “The Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!”
This winter has, as ever, tested our resolve here in Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. The winds have howled, the snow has blanketed our communities, and yet, beneath it all, the promise of spring has stirred. Easter arrives as God’s resounding “Yes” to that promise—a reminder that new life is breaking forth even in the coldest and darkest of times. Just as the ice cracks and the waters flow once more, so too does the stone roll away, revealing the empty tomb and the risen Christ, who meets us where we stand.
In our diocese, this Easter holds special meaning as we continue to “Set Sail” together, charting the course for Christ’s Church as outlined in our strategic plan. This journey calls us to deepen our relationships—with God, with one another, and with the world around us—and to transform our discipleship into lives of new life that break forth in witness and compassionate service. We are challenged to renew our stewardship, with specific care for God’s creation. And through engaging in partnerships, we show God’s transformative love by reaching out to others.
I know that some approach this Easter with heavy hearts. For some, this season comes amidst grief, uncertainty, or struggle—whether it be the loss of a loved one, the challenges of daily life, the anxiety of political uncertainty, or the worries of a changing climate. To you, I offer the promise of the Easter Gospel: Christ has walked through the valley of the shadow of death and emerged victorious. The Risen Christ walks with you now, bearing your burdens and illuminating your path with the light of his presence.
As Anglicans in this diocese, we are a people of the cross and the resurrection. Our tradition reminds us that these two truths are inseparable: suffering and glory, sacrifice and renewal. In our worship, we proclaim this mystery through the Eucharist, where we encounter the risen Lord in bread broken and wine poured out. In your parishes and homes, I encourage you to draw near to this sacred meal, find strength in its grace, and let it shape us into a community of hope and compassion.
Let us also remember that Easter calls us to be Easter people, not just for one day but every day. The risen Christ sent his disciples into the world, and so he sends us—to our neighbours, our communities, and the strangers in our midst. In a diocese as diverse as ours, from urban centres to remote outports, we have countless opportunities to embody the love of the Risen Lord. Whether through advocacy for justice or caring for God’s creation, let us be active witnesses to the resurrection in all we do, bringing hope and healing to a world in need.
As your bishop, I thank you for your faithfulness, resilience, and commitment to the Gospel. Your steadfastness in the face of challenges is a testament to the power of the Resurrection. I pray that this Easter season fills you with the joy of Christ’s victory and the courage to be his disciples. May the Holy Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead, dwell richly in our parishes and in our hearts, renewing us for the journey ahead.
+Samuel, Eastern Newfoundland & Labrador
