Fr. Dale Fushek’s Reflection

The word “Easter” has an interesting background.

Some people say it comes from the word “east” meaning sunrise.  Some say the name comes from the Roman goddess of the dawn.  And others say the word Easter comes from the Germanic goddess whose feast was celebrated at the spring equinox.  No matter where the word comes from, for us today, it means the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Here we are, in 2025, and we are ready to celebrate another Easter Sunday.  Our prayer is that this Easter will make a difference in our world.

At Sunday morning worship service, we sometimes sing a song called, “If We Ever Needed You, Lord it is Now.” There is no doubt that our world is filled with chaos.  Every night on the news we hear of shootings, war, hunger, crime, and division.  There seems to be so much hurt, so much pain in our nation.  We need something or somebody to turn the tide.

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be a politician or civic leader who can or will lead us out of our current situation.  We are going to need someone or something bigger to help us. I believe Easter is just the event.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the hope we need.  Jesus conquers sin, death, hatred, prejudice, violence, and ungodliness all in one action.  By His death, we have been healed.  And, by His resurrection, we have been given hope beyond our imagination.  In Christ, evil itself is defeated.

One of my heroes, Pope John Paul II, once said, “Do not abandon yourselves to despair.  We are an Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”

Country superstar Reba McEntire once said, “Easter is very important to me.  It is a second chance.”

The Gospel writer Matthew said, “Go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead.”  All these quotes remind us that Easter is unique, wonderful, hopeful, and life changing.

May this Easter be filled with hope for you. Whatever you are struggling with, may the darkness be washed away by the light of the sunrise.  May our world be transformed with hope, knowing that our savior has led the way through the cross and tomb to new life.  And may our heats be forever changed by us living, “The Jesus Way”.