1ST READING. ACTS. 10:34, 37-43. PSALM. 118. 2ND READING. COL 3:1-4. GOSPEL. JN 20: 1-9.
THEME: JESUS IS RISEN
INTRODUCTION
The mystery of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for some people, is a fairy tale, but for us Christians, it is the essence and centre of our faith. The Apostle Paul puts it very well, if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith in vain. (1 Cor 15:14). He went on to say that our witnesses would be in vain, because we testified against God that he raised Christ, whom he didn’t raise if in fact the dead are not raised and if Christ has not been raised your faith is vain.(1 Cor 15:15).
If Christ has not been raised, then, there is no hope of our resurrection. This is the Core of the Christian Faith. This is the greatest mystery of our faith. The Paschal Mystery is thus, the highest point of celebration in the liturgical life of the Church.
This Paschal Mystery has two aspects, namely, Jesus’ Death and Jesus’ Resurrection. By his death, Jesus liberates us from sin; and by his resurrection, he opens for us the way to a new life.(CCC 654).
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRIST RESURRECTION
First, the resurrection of Christ above all constitutes the confirmation of all Christ’s works and teachings. (CCC 651). Second, the resurrection confirmed the divinity of Christ. It confirmed the authenticity of Jesus as truly Man and truly God. Third, it shows that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old and New Testament. Fourth, it confirmed the doctrine of Resurrection after Death. It sealed our hope of Resurrection. Fifth, the Resurrection of Christ brought about the deification of the Human nature. Sixth, The Resurrection of Jesus is our justification and our hope. Seventh, the Resurrection of Christ has given us grace and strength to live the new life. We become potential candidates of heaven. Eighth, the Resurrection of Christ calls us to fix our gaze in heaven where our Master is seated at the right hand of the Father. (Col 3:1-2).
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ON US BY VIRTUE OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION
Since we have been given new life, we must now live like resurrected children of God; meaning, we must put aside old ways that took Jesus to the Cross. We should celebrate this great feast with gratitude to God for his love for us in Christ Jesus. We should rejoice in what God has done. In doing this, we must strive to love our neighbors as Christ has shown us. We must reconcile with our neighbors and forgive them as Christ has forgiven us. We should totally dedicate our hearts, our souls, and strength in the service of God who loves us so much. Let us remember that we are who we are today because of the sacrifice of Jesus. Let us make sacrifices for the wellbeing of our neighbors. Let us give everyone a second chance. May the Lord fills our hearts with his goodness that we may love unconditionally. Amen. Wishing you a glorious Easter.
With lots of prayers and love.
