On the Third Day He Rose from the Dead.
“If Christ has not been raised our faith is in vain,” writes Paul the Apostle in his First Letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:14). Rightly so, we proclaim today with joy: He is risen! The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith, the source of life and hope for all humanity (cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 638). In a world overshadowed by conflict, fear, and uncertainty, this truth shines like the first light of dawn after a long night.
The Resurrection of Jesus reminds us that darkness, suffering, and even death do not have the final word (cf. 1 Cor 15:55). The empty tomb stands as a powerful sign: life is stronger than death, hope is stronger than despair. The Apostles, once timid (cf. Mt 26:56, 69–75; Jn 20:19) and self-centered (cf. Mt 20:20–24; Lk 9:46), were transformed by the encounter with the risen Christ. They proclaimed boldly, even to the point of laying down their lives, that Jesus lives (cf. Acts 2:14–36; 4:13, 29–31; 5:41–42; 7:51–60; 28:30–31). If they could find courage amid fear, can we not also experience Jesus’ presence today?
This Easter, the world watches as wars rage in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, and lives are lost. In our own state of West Bengal, the SIR has created fear, anxiety, and much harassment. In situations such as these, someone may question: If God exists, why does He allow all this suffering? The Resurrection answers: God’s power is most visible when human hope seems lowest (cf. Mt 8:25, 14:27). Just as the stone was rolled away from the tomb, God can open new paths even in moments of devastation and hopeless situations. He stands with those who suffer, the mourners, the displaced, and the forgotten, assuring them that their tears are not unseen.
Easter calls each of us to be witnesses of hope. Forgiveness in the face of offense, generosity in place of selfishness, compassion over indifference – these small acts illuminate the world with the light of the Resurrection. Families, communities, and workplaces become living signs that love is stronger than hatred and life stronger than death.
The Risen Christ greets us still: “Peace be with you. Do not be afraid” (Jn 20:19; Mt 28:10). In this greeting, we find courage to face uncertainty, healing for wounded hearts, and a mission to bring light where there is darkness. Even in moments of conflict and despair, Easter proclaims that hope is alive, that God continues to bring life to a weary world, and that love endures beyond all suffering.
As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, we are called to examine our hearts (Discourse to the Participants in the 36th Course on the Internal Forum [13/03/2026]), to embrace humility, and to allow God’s mercy to guide our choices. In a time when violence tempts us to fear and doubt tempts us to despair, Easter invites us to stand firm in faith, hope, and love.
May the joy of the triumph of Jesus Christ over death fill our hearts with the courage to witness the Risen Christ in every place and situation. May it inspire us to bring peace where there is strife, light where there is darkness, and hope where there is despair. For Christ is risen; yes, He is truly risen, and in Him, life, love, and hope will always triumph.
Alleluia! He is risen!
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