Easter brings to our hungry appetites a banquet of chocolates, smiles on children’s faces as they receive their favourite treat.  Any excuse to be happy will do, and why not, since in the world we see and experience so much depravation and sadness.  

In the church, however, it is the “Alleluia” which Christians have been starved of and they so eagerly await to proclaim.  So, as the priest announces, “Alleluia, Christ is risen!” a great triumphant response is resounded by the congregations throughout the Christian world, “He is risen indeed, Alleluia!”

It is like a child who has waited patiently for his treat of chocolate, who when he receives it can be seen quietly sitting in a corner enjoying and living the moment he has been waiting for. We only realise how good something can be when we have been away from it.  Of course, if we have something all the time, we will never know what it is like not having it.

So what is so sweet and special about, “Alleluia?”

One, it is praise, and praise of him; from whom we get everything to enjoy.

Two, it is something we have refrained from; therefore it is good to return back.  

Three, it is part of our Christian tradition, culture, history and something in which Eastern and Western Christians stand united.

So at this Easter Sunday when you hear the celebrant announce, “Alleluia, Christ is risen!” enjoy the long awaited praise of him who frees us from the bondage of death and sin by winning over the grave, removing the sting of death from us.  Let the ancient and yet new words of proclamation resound and fill the world, “He is risen indeed, Alleluia!”

Fr. Timon B Singh

Easter Edition 2011

From the Parish Priest