Easter Sunday.
My dear brothers and sisters, today, as we gather to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound truth that lies at the heart of our faith: the victory of life over death, of hope over despair. The readings we have just heard echo this glorious message, inviting us to contemplate the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in our own lives.
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we hear Peter proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. He recounts the ministry of Jesus, how he went about doing good, healing the sick, and preaching the kingdom of God. Peter boldly declares that Jesus, who was put to death by crucifixion, was raised on the third day by God. This resurrection is not merely a historical event but a living reality, testified to by eyewitnesses who encountered the risen Christ.
Similarly, in the letter to the Colossians, we are reminded of our union with Christ in his death and resurrection. St. Paul exhorts us to set our minds on heavenly things, to seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Our old selves, enslaved to sin and death, have been crucified with Christ, and we have been raised to new life with him. As we celebrate Easter, we are invited to live out this new reality, to embrace our identity as people who have been made alive in Christ.
In the Gospel reading from John, we encounter the scene of the empty tomb. Mary Magdalene, overcome with grief, discovers that the stone has been rolled away and the tomb is empty. Distressed, she runs to tell Peter and the beloved disciple. Upon hearing her report, they rush to the tomb and find it as Mary described. The burial cloths are there, but Jesus is not. It is only later, after they have seen and believed, that they begin to understand the significance of what has happened.
My dear friends, the empty tomb is Not just a historical curiosity; it is the symbol of our faith. It is the tangible evidence of Christ’s victory over sin and death. Just as Jesus conquered the grave, so too can we, through him, overcome whatever challenges and struggles we face in our lives. The resurrection is not just a past event; it is a present reality that continues to transform lives and renew hope.
As we celebrate Easter today, let us reflect on what it means to live as people of the resurrection. It means embracing the new life that Christ offers us, a life of freedom, joy, and purpose. It means letting go of the old, sinful ways and embracing the newness of life that comes from being united with Christ. It means living with hope in the midst of despair, with love in the face of hatred, and with faith in the face of doubt.
But living as people of the resurrection also means bearing witness to the risen Christ in the world. Just as Peter and the other disciples were commissioned to preach the gospel and testify to the reality of the resurrection, so too are we called to proclaim the good news to all people. Our lives should be a reflection of the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection, drawing others to encounter the living God who offers them new life and salvation.
As we continue our celebration of Easter today, may we be filled with joy and gratitude for the gift of new life in Christ. May we embrace the reality of the resurrection in our own lives and bear witness to it in the world. And may we always remember that Christ is risen, indeed, alleluia!