This man (Jesus) God raised on the third day and granted that he be visible, not to all the people, but to us, the witnesses chosen by God in advance, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. — Acts 10:40-41
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ
Easter, or more precisely, the Resurrection of our Lord from the dead, is time to proclaim our faith in the risen Lord. We do this in our greetings and salutations to one another. We say: “Christ is Risen, Alleluia!” and expect the response: “Christ is Risen, Indeed, Alleluia!” This is the ancient form of proclaiming the joy and truth of Easter, and a reminder for each of us and all others that this truth of faith which the resurrection proclaims is the hallmark of faith.
The fundamental truth of our faith and the central message of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death. The importance of the resurrection of Jesus was emphasized in the early preaching and teaching of the Apostles to the early Christians. This statement of truth is stated very directly and firmly by Saint Paul when he wrote: “If Christ has not been raised from death, then we have nothing to preach and you have nothing to believe; if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins.†(1 Cor 15:17-19).
The good news of Easter celebrated for over two thousand years is our faith in Jesus. Who was born, died and resurrected. Although we did not see Christ rising from death, we believe through our faith in those who witnessed the empty tomb, who experienced his appearances and sacrificed their lives for the truth.
The resurrection of Jesus, as in witnessing the actual event or through our faith, has brought many believers to the Church, as community of believers. We, the followers of Jesus Christ in today’s modern world, still proclaim this faith altering event over two thousand years later.
Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the powerful Message that can change the hearts and minds of people, but it must be proclaimed in truth and deep conviction on our part. We cannot just be spectators of our faith, watching and waiting for others to defend what we believe in; rather we must be activists by living our faith, thus reflecting the image of Jesus Christ. Other’s must be able to see Christ in us, to feel His presence in our midst, to see His Gospel proclaimed not only in word, but in every deed and action that we perform in life. Others will then know that we are Christians by our love for Him and the ability to share that love with one another.
In this time of the Easter Celebration I wish you the holy experiences – the real touch of Jesus, in whom we live, the joyful Alleluia in your hearts and warmth, and happiness in yours Families.
May the almighty God Bless you.
Fr. Andrzej Bieganowski