The Risen Christ walks with and for us. He is our HOPE.

When we think of the Lent- Easter cycle in our life, we too often think of Easter as the reward to rest and make merry after of a strenuous 40 days of fasting, prayer and good works. Surprise! Lent offers us the retreat time getting us ready for action. We are called to begin acting as renewed Easter disciples of the Risen One.

A wonderful Easter story of renewed HOPE that highlights this reality for us is the story of the discouraged and grieving disciples returning to their home in Emmaus after the death and burial of their beloved Jesus of Nazareth. (Luke 24, 13-34)

On the Road to Emmaus, the disciples are met by the Risen Christ. He joins them for the evening meal and opens the Word of Scripture to them. In the breaking of bread, they recognize the Living One, the Risen Christ, and their despair is transformed to joy. The Disciples had lost hope after the crucifixion but when they encountered Jesus on the road, their hearts were on fire. They immediately set out on mission to tell others what they had witnessed… Jesus alive and present among them still.

Pope Leo encourages us to see the Easter story of the Resurrection as a message of Hope for our day. When life seems to be extinguished or blocked, we too experience the Risen Lord passing by promising us new life, new beginnings and renewed hope. The Risen Christ walks with and for us. He is our HOPE. (Adapted from Message from Pope Leo XIV in Vatican News, November 2025)

We rejoice this Easter season when we witness how the message of Hope blooms forth again in the lives of so many who recall the comforting and life-given presence of Christ in their midst.

May we all we live as hope-filled people. May we awaken to the many ways we are gifted with hope and sent forth to free the oppressed and bring new life with God promise to give us a future filled with HOPE. (Jer. 29;11)

You are remembered in our prayers. May our God bring you, your family and friends new life this Easter season.

Many blessings!

-SLW Congregational Leadership Team