The Lord Is Risen, What a Gift!
Dear Parishioners,
On the first day of the week, Jesus rose triumphantly from the dead. What seemed impossible became possible. He was cruelly scourged and nailed to the cross. A soldier even pierced his side with a lance to confirm his death. He was hurriedly buried that Friday afternoon because of Sabbath regulations. So, on the early morning of the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala, went to the tomb with spices to complete the embalming. She was astonished; the tomb was empty, and Jesus was not there. He is risen!
What would have happened had he not risen? I guess our faith would have no meaning. His promise of eternal life would have been a great lie. Truth be told; the Christ the Lord is risen. The battle is over, and victory won. This is what makes that first day of the week so special and holy. It is Easter Sunday, the day of the Lord. Therefore, every Sunday is a sign of resurrection. Peter could not contain his joy; the Master is alive and has appeared to them. They hugged him and touched his wounds. He ate with them. He was so ordinary but also transformed. Time, space, and distance are no longer a barrier to him. The risen Christ is now a manifestation of a wholly new kind of human being. It is difficult to describe, yet such will be our experience that await us. What a gift!
Peter presents to us the good news of Jesus. He spoke so gloriously of his resurrection. He “testifies that Christ is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. To him all the prophets bear witness, that everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” This is the faith that inspired the apostles and still inspires us. Easter Sunday is the ultimate celebration of this life given gift. This is the cause of our salvation. Paul tells us that if Christ did not rise, then we are still deep in sin. It is the risen Christ that gives the Spirit, our sanctifier. The “first of the dead” gives assurance to all of us that we are called to a similar destiny.
Christian faith begins with the resurrection. Christ unites us with God, making us a new creation. Death has no more power over us. Christ proves it today. He is the first to pass from death to life. Through the waters of baptism, we become a new race. We resemble Christ and are destined to live the Lord’s death and resurrection every day. Our mission, therefore, is to bring the Easter spirit into everything we do. God has destined us for higher purpose; to be like him free from sin and death.
Let us celebrate with joy this inestimable gift of life. “Do not be afraid!” that is the great Easter message from the Risen Savior. We no longer need be afraid as we journey through life. His Resurrection dispels sadness and radiates power and joy. The deep spiritual happiness that fills our hearts is something we cannot fully explain or even express. All we can say is “Alleluia” Thank you Jesus. Happy Easter.
Sincerely Yours In The Risen Lord,
Fr. Vitalis Anyanike, Pastor
