Follow Me The resurrection of Jesus and humanity By Bishop Terry R. LaValley

April 1, 2026

“Yes, Christ my hope is arisen; to Galilee he goes before you.”

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
We can face most anything, if we know or believe it won’t last forever, and that something better will happen. We will endure a painful operation if we believe it will make us well again. We can face the rigors of a long and miserable winter (like this one) because we know that spring will return. It’s amazing what the human spirit can endure and overcome provided it is fed with the bread of hope for tomorrow.

Easter provides an enormous portion of hope for the human spirit. How voracious is our appetite for hope today? Yes, Jesus suffered much. He was cut down but rose again. The world didn’t take much notice of the resurrection of Jesus. It was a humble, hidden event. The risen Jesus did not appear in triumph at the temple in Jerusalem, humiliating those who humiliated Him. To those who loved Him and followed Him, Jesus rose as a sign of hope that God’s love is stronger than death. The resurrection of Jesus cannot be separated from the resurrection of humanity saved by Him.

At Easter, we still feel the pain of the world, the pain in our families and in our hearts. But a new reality has been introduced into our lives. It doesn’t remove the pain, but it sure gives it a meaning. It lights up our lives with hope. All is different because Jesus is alive! Faith in Jesus’ resurrection is the basis of our hope of eternal life, a hope which enables you and me to bear patiently the trials of our lives. We experience a quiet joy and confident hope because we know that a faithful life is stronger than death, love is stronger than fear and hope is stronger than despair and discouragement.

The Risen Christ is still active in our midst two millennia after that Easter morn. There is plenty of room for hope! Easter assures you and me that God’s promise of presence is fulfilled. And for that, may God be praised. Forever may God be praised! A blessed Easter to you and your family!

Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Terry R. LaValley
Bishop of Ogdensburg