CHRISTINE GONZALES, NMD PhD
Easter is a joyful celebration of victory and hope, proclaiming joy to all who hear its message.
But what do we do when we have lost our joy? What can Easter say to us when we are diagnosed with a painful illness, lose a loved one, or face the many sorrows life can bring?
Philippians 4:4 reminds us:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I say it again, rejoice!”
At first, this may seem like a simple — even naïve — invitation, especially in moments of deep suffering or when we see so much pain around us. Joy can appear to be a privilege reserved for those who are healthy, successful, or secure. For many — those who are sick, poor, struggling, or burdened — it may feel difficult to find a reason to rejoice, let alone rejoice always.
Yet, the joy of Easter is neither shallow nor unaware of suffering.
When Jesus rose from the dead, He still bore the wounds of His crucifixion. This reminds us that Easter joy does not come from avoiding pain, but from passing through it. It is a joy born from the cross — a joy that emerges after enduring hardship and being transformed by it.
Easter does not ignore suffering or cover it with a smile. Instead, it reveals that even the deepest wounds can be transformed by God’s love. No darkness can extinguish that love. No suffering is beyond His healing. No loss is without hope.
There is always hope in every cross.
There is always light in the darkness.
There is always life after death.
That is why we can rejoice — and rejoice always.
In the midst of our struggles — within our families, our health, our work, and our world — we are reminded that Christ has already triumphed. His victory is not His alone; it is shared with us.
Through His love, death has been overcome.
And so, we are invited to rediscover our purpose, to seek healing and renewal, and to care for our lives as sacred gifts. We are called to love more deeply, to forgive more generously — especially those with whom we struggle the most — and to become instruments of that same transforming love.
This Easter, may we choose to rejoice in God’s love — and share that love and joy with our families, our communities, and the world.
With deep love, gratitude & prayers, Christine, Jen, Dale
