As we approach the 2nd Sunday of Easter, also known as Divine Mercy Sunday, we are reminded of God's revelation of His nature as love itself, which can be seen in Sacred Scripture and most perfectly in the life, Passion, death, and Resurrection of His Son, Jesus, from the very beginning of Creation. Easter is the most significant day in the Christian calendar, as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the birth of our eternal hope. The term "Easter" literally means "the feast of fresh flowers," and it is the greatest and most important feast in the Church. We celebrate it with pride and jubilation for four reasons:
- The Resurrection of Christ is the basis of our Christian Faith. It is the greatest of the miracles, for it proves that Jesus is God. That is why St. Paul writes: “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain; and your Faith is in vain” (I Cor 15:14). “Jesus is Lord, He is risen” (Rom 10:9), was the central theme of the kerygma (or “preaching”), of the Apostles
- Easter is the guarantee of our own resurrection. Jesus assured Martha at the tomb of Lazarus: “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even though he dies…” (Jn 11:25-26).)
- Easter is a feast which gives us hope and encouragement in this world of pain, sorrows and tears. It reminds us that life is worth living. It also gives us strength to fight against temptations and freedom from unnecessary worries and fears.
- Easter gives meaning to our prayers: It supports our belief in the Real Presence of the Risen Jesus in and around us, in His Church, in the Blessed Sacrament, and in Heaven, hearing our prayers, and so gives meaning to our personal as well as our communal prayers.
But, what led to the resurrection? What happened between the crucifixion and resurrection? And how does it impact us throughout the year and not just for Holy Week?
According to the Roman Catechism of the Catholic Church, “Although the Resurrection was an historical event that could be verified by the sign of the empty tomb and by the reality of the apostles' encounters with the risen Christ, still it remains at the very heart of the mystery of faith as something that transcends and surpasses history.
Nevertheless, God kept His promise to send and sacrifice the perfect Lamb to bear the sins of those who trust in Him. Jesus had to die because He is the only one who can pay the penalty for our sins. As Isaiah foretold, Jesus was crucified in between two criminals but was buried in a rich man’s tomb. But He didn’t remain in the grave. Because God accepted His Lamb’s sacrifice, He fulfilled another prophecy by raising Jesus from the dead. (Isaiah 26:19)
Easter is not just a one-day event that marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is an important season that should remind us of the teachings of Christ and how we can apply them in our lives. As Catholics, we are called to live out our faith every day, not just during Holy Week. Here are some ways we can apply the teachings of Easter throughout our lives:
1.Forgive Others
Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross was an act of forgiveness. He died for our sins so that we may be forgiven and have eternal life. As followers of Christ, we should strive to forgive others, even when it's difficult. Forgiveness is a powerful tool that can heal relationships and bring peace to our lives.
2.Love One Another
Jesus taught us to love one another as He loved us. We can apply this teaching in our daily lives by being kind, compassionate, and understanding towards others. We can also show love by serving others and helping those in need.
3.Have Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful reminder of the power of faith. Despite the challenges and trials we may face, we can have faith that God is with us and that He has a plan for our lives. We can deepen our faith through prayer, attending Mass, and reading the Bible.
4.Spread the Good News
As Catholics, we are called to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We can do this by sharing our faith with others, living out our faith through our actions, and inviting others to Mass or prayer groups. We can also support Catholic missions and charities that help those in need.
5.Embrace Hope
The resurrection of Jesus gives us hope for eternal life. We can apply this teaching in our lives by embracing hope, even during difficult times. We can also help others find hope by being a source of encouragement and support.
The resurrection of Jesus is a testament to God's power over death and the victory of life over darkness. It is a reminder that, despite the challenges we may face, we can have hope and faith that God will see us through.
In conclusion, the teachings of Easter are not just for Holy Week. They are a reminder of how we should live our lives every day. By forgiving others, loving one another, having faith, spreading the Good News, and embracing hope, we can live out the teachings of Christ and make a positive impact in our world. Let us remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the hope his resurrection brings. Let us live our lives with faith, knowing that God is with us always.