Resurrection Dispels Sadness and Radiates Power and Joy.
Dear Parishioners,
On the first day of the week, Jesus rose triumphantly from the dead. What once seemed impossible became possible. He was cruelly scourged and nailed to the cross, and a soldier pierced his side with a lance to confirm his death. He was hurriedly buried on that Friday afternoon because of Sabbath regulations.
Early on the first day of the week, Mary of Magdala and other women went to the tomb with spices to complete the burial rites. To their astonishment, the tomb was empty, Jesus was not there. He is risen!
What would have happened if He had not risen? Our faith would have no meaning. His promise of eternal life would have been in vain. But in truth, Christ the Lord is risen. The battle is over, and the victory is 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 the Resurrection.
Peter could not contain his joy: The Master is alive and has appeared to them. They saw Him, touched His wounds, and ate with Him. He was familiar, yet transformed. Time, space, and distance were no longer barriers to Him. The Risen Christ reveals a wholly new kind of human life, difficult to describe, yet the very destiny that awaits us. What a gift!
Peter proclaims this good news, testifying that Christ is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets bear witness to Him, that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name. This is the faith that inspired the apostles and continues to inspire us today.
Easter Sunday is the ultimate celebration of this life-giving truth, the source of our salvation. As Paul reminds us, if Christ had not risen, we would still be in our sins. But the Risen Christ gives us the Spirit, our sanctifier. As the “first of the dead,” He assures us that we too are called to share in this new life.
Christian faith begins with the Resurrection. In Christ, we are united with God and made a new creation. Death no longer has power over us. Through the waters of baptism, we are reborn, called to live His death and resurrection each day. Our mission is to bring the spirit of Easter into all we do. God has destined us for a higher purpose, to become like Him, free from sin and death.
Let us celebrate with joy this inestimable gift of life. “Do not be afraid!”: this is the great Easter message from the Risen Savior. We need no longer live in fear as we journey through life. Resurrection dispels sadness and radiates power and joy.
The deep spiritual happiness that fills our hearts is beyond words. Thank you, Jesus.
Happy Easter to everyone!
Rev. Vitalis Anyanike
Pastor
