Easter or the Resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle which the four Gospels narrate in simple and down-to-earth language. The empty tomb and the apparitions of the Risen Lord confirm the fact that Jesus truly rose from the dead. "Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him" (Mk 16:6-7). "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen as he said. Come, see the place where he lay" (Mt. 28:5-6). "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen" (Lk. 24:5-6). This was the firm faith of the early Church. St. Paul preached this faith: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He appeared also to me. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead." (1 Cor. 15:3-4,8,17,20).
As we celebrate this event of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we proclaim the Paschal Mystery of Faith: 'Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again'. This proclamation has many implications for us as Christians: Jesus died for our sins, he has redeemed us from the bondage of sin. In his resurrection, he has given us a new HOPE that we too will rise from the dead: Already now in this world, and in the next one too. We are called to live in hope despite many situations of despair and hopelessness. If Jesus has conquered death, He will surely conquer all obstacles and hurdles for us, of course in his time. We are called to do our best and leave the rest to him. Let us face life's challenges with courage.
Our world is going through a difficult situation caused by war, hatred, violence, religious and human persecution, injustice, and all this is a perfect recipe for despair. It is at this time that we hear Risen Jesus' voice: "Do not be afraid" (Mt. 28:10); "Peace be with you" (Jn. 20:5). As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors or messengers of the Risen Jesus, heralding hope, joy and peace. May we succeed in instilling hope in those who need it the most. n our personal and family lives,let us be optimistic in the face of adversities by being faithful to prayer, holiness of life, fidelity to the word of God and Sacraments, and works of charity. May our families and communities grow in the spirit of the Risen Lord - hope, peace and joy. Mary our mother is an example of Easter Hope. Let us imitate her.
I wish you a HAPPY EASTER! Alleluia, Alleluia!
