Homily by Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Tonight, we stand at the heart of the Christian mystery. In the darkness, we lit a flame. From that single light, this church was gradually filled with brightness. This is not just a ritual. It is our story. The story of how God enters the darkness of the world and of our lives, and brings the light that no darkness can overcome.
We have listened to the great sweep of salvation history: creation, sacrifice, liberation, promise. Again and again, we heard of a God who calls, who saves, who remains faithful, even when his people falter. We have seen how God brings light out of darkness, order out of chaos, hope out of despair. And all of this leads us to this holy night, when we arrive at the greatest truth ever proclaimed: the tomb is empty. Jesus Christ is risen!
The turning point of history
Everything changes tonight. The Resurrection of Jesus is not simply a happy ending to a tragic story. It is the turning point of history. Death no longer has the final word. Sin is no longer the ultimate power. Fear is no longer our master.
When Jesus rose from the dead, he did not return to his old life. He entered a new life, a life that can never die again.
And here is the heart of our faith: because he lives, we too shall live. Not just someday, not just at the end of time. But even now, something new has already begun within us.
A new life
Tonight is not only about remembering what God has done. It is about what God is doing here and now. In a few moments, twenty of our brothers and sisters will come forward to receive the sacraments of initiation. Dear candidates, this night is especially your night. You have walked a long journey – one of searching, questioning, learning, and conversion. You come not as strangers, but as those already called by name.
Tonight, you will enter the waters of baptism. Just as the waters of creation brought forth life, just as the Sea of Reeds opened a path from slavery to freedom, so these waters will become for you a passage – from sin to grace, from death to life. You will not simply receive something; you will become someone new. The old has passed away; behold, something new is born.
You will be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead will dwell within you. This is not a symbol or a memory. It is a living power, a quiet strength. It is a fire that must never be allowed to grow cold.
And you will approach the altar for the first time to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. The One who conquered death will give himself to you as food. From this night forward, you will never walk alone.
But let us be clear: this is not the end of your journey. It is the beginning. The Christian life is not a single moment of grace, but a daily dying and rising. You will still face struggles. You will still encounter doubt, weakness, and temptation. But now, you face them as members of Christ’s Body, strengthened by his Spirit, nourished by his presence.
Living the Resurrection
And to all of us gathered here tonight: this is also our night. We will renew our baptismal promises. We will once again reject sin and profess our faith. But these words must not be empty. The light we hold in our hands must reflect a light that burns within us. The question this night asks each of us is not simply: “Do I believe that Jesus is risen?” But rather: “Am I living as someone who has risen with him?”
We are called to be witnesses that life is stronger than death.
Living the Resurrection means: choosing hope when everything feels lost, choosing forgiveness when it is easier to hold on to anger, choosing love even when it costs us, choosing faith even when we do not fully understand. The Resurrection calls us to live differently: not as people of the tomb, but as people of the light. The world around us often lives in darkness – violence, division, hatred, despair. But we are called to be witnesses that life is stronger than death. Let us ask God today to strengthen our faith, so that we can be pilgrims of hope in the world.
Dear newly initiated, you remind us of what it means to begin again. Your “yes” tonight renews the faith of this entire community. And we, in turn, promise to walk with you, to support you, to pray for you, and to witness to the faith we share.
So tonight, let us rejoice. The stone has been rolled away. The tomb is empty. Jesus Christ is risen! And because he lives, we can begin again, we can rise from our failures, we can walk in newness of life. Because he lives, we too shall live!
✠ Joseph Galea-Curmi
Auxiliary Bishop
