CHRIST IS RISEN, HALLELUJAH !!!
After the grief and sorrows of the Cross, after the painful experience of the Crucifixion, we have entered these days in the joy of Easter, the greatest joy of Christian life.
All around the world, Christians are celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
During the past weeks and days, we had a difficult journey; a journey through the Lenten season which saw us walk close to Jesus through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This journey was concluded when we relived the Passion and death of the Lord.
On the one hand, the Resurrection of Christ means that all Humankind has been liberated from death which is our worst enemy. Since the Son of God has suffered, died and resurrected, all those who believe in Him, will also be raised from the dead. Through the Resurrection of Jesus, we also have the assurance and the guarantee that we shall come out from our graves.
On the other hand, the Resurrection of the Lord makes us a people of hope. We are now certain that there is a new world to come. Our life does not end here on this Earth. In Christ, our lives will go beyond the grave.
In this extraordinary jubilation, the Liturgy of the Church allows us to sing again the "Hallelujah, the Song of joy and praises of God's people. On this Blessed Day, we can sing: Hallelujah and proclaim that "Truly, Christ is risen from the dead."
Saint Paul would say that through His resurrection, Jesus has obtained a new life for us. A life of hope and a life of freedom. His Resurrection has restored us back to Life Eternal. This is what we are celebrating today. That's the meaning of Easter: Christ's Victory over death.
WHY?
Because we are created by God to exist forever (Ecclesiastes 3:11). However, we lost our immortality because of sin. Death entered human existence because of the original sin. That's why Jesus came to redeem us. The price to pay for our redemption was His death on the Cross. As we are celebrating and jubilating, let us ask ourselves one little question: "What Are The Implications Of Easter For Us?"
Firstly, we must show gratefulness to God for saving us through His Son. To our Lord Jesus Christ, we must always offer our thanks and praises by bearing faithful witness to Him.
Secondly, we should long for God. We must have a strong desire for Heaven.
In the second reading, Saint Paul exhorts us to seek what is above and think of what is above. (Colossians 3:2).
Finally, we must also be agents of salvation for our fellow brothers and sisters. We must let ourselves to be used by God as instruments for the redemption of the world.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL !!!
Fr Emmanuel Anani