“For they did not yet understand the scripture that he had to rise from the dead” (John 20:9)

The major theme for this Easter Sunday focuses on the triumph of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who after His immense suffering, passion and death has obtained for us the glory of resurrection to the eternal life.   

The English term “Easter” relates to Estre, which applies to the feast of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The Greek and Latin word for Easter is Pascha, which is derived from the Hebrew term Pesach (פֶּסַח), known in English as Passover, which commemorates the Jewish festival of the Exodus (Exodus 12:37-42, 43-51), their exit from Egypt to the Promised Land.

Easter is the greatest and the most important feast in the Church’s liturgical celebrations, even more important than Christmas for four reasons:
(1) It celebrates the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the basis of our Christian faith (Romans 10:9), the greatest miracle of all, the central theme of the “kerygma” or preaching of the apostles (1 Corinthians 15:14).
(2) It is the guarantee of our own resurrection for those who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).
(3) It gives us hope and encouragement to trust in God’s divine justice and mercy (Psalm 16:10).
(4) It gives meaning of our faith, the communal prayer, our fight against temptation, and our freedom and courage to work for the kingdom of God (Matthew 28:20).

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is the bridge that connects believers with God, we, Christians, are celebrating our safe passage from our earthly home to an even more wonderful home in heaven, passing from sin to forgiveness, from slavery to freedom, from darkness to light, from our self to God, from sadness to joy, from hate to love, and from death to life.

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death, who obtains for us the glory of resurrection.

How can we help each other to live the lives of resurrection people, not to lie buried in the tomb of our sins, evil habits, dangerous addictions, despair, discouragement or doubts?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.