THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS: THE PIVOTAL FEAST AND THE HEART OF OUR FAITH

The resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of the Christian message. it’s the pivotal feast. The meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection, particularly His resurrection, is the foundation of our Catholic faith. At the core of our faith lies the bedrock conviction that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, conquering death and bestowing eternal life upon all who believe. The resurrection culminates the passion narrative in all four Gospels because it is at the centre of redemption itself. It is not merely an extraordinary historical event; it is the cornerstone of our Christian faith and theology. It carries profound theological significance and has deeply personal implications for each of us.

The Apostle Paul’s epistle to the Corinthians emphasizes, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). This powerful assertion highlights that without the Resurrection, the entire structure of Christian theology collapses. The Resurrection validates Jesus’ divine nature, His teachings, and His redemptive work. It confirms that Jesus is the Messiah, sent by God to redeem humanity and restore the broken relationship between God and humankind. Moreover, the Resurrection demonstrates God’s ultimate victory over sin, death, and the devil. Christ’s triumph over the grave signifies the inauguration of the new creation – an era where life prevails over death and hope over despair. He is the first fruits of the resurrection to come, assuring us that we too will share in this victory if we remain faithful.

The Resurrection is a proclamation that Jesus is alive and present with us. In the Resurrection appearances, the disciples experienced Jesus in their midst. The same Jesus who had walked with them is now again touching their lives. He spoke and ate with them, though he was radically changed. Clearly, Jesus had not simply come back to life like Lazarus did. Jesus now lives the glorious life beyond death; he was yet again with them. The Resurrection proclaims that Jesus is with us as well. Though the Gospel of Luke narrates the episode of the Ascension of the Lord and Jesus being taken up to heaven (Lk 24:51), it is not a declaration of Jesus’ absence. Jesus is now present in every space and time. We encounter Jesus in the Scripture, in the sacraments, and in our brothers and sisters. As we recall the stories of the Resurrection appearances, Christ is once again with us, forgiving, feeding, and consoling.

On a personal level, the Resurrection offers us immense hope and comfort. It reassures us that death is not the end but a passage to eternal life in God’s presence. This hope should profoundly influence how we live our lives. In moments of suffering, pain, or loss, the Resurrection assures us that these are passing realities, overshadowed by the promise of eternal life and the boundless love of God. It calls us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing spiritual growth and our relationship with God above all else.

The Resurrection of Jesus also calls each of us to a transformation of life. The old self is crucified with Christ, and we are invited to rise to new life in Him. This new life is characterized by the virtues of love, humility, forgiveness, and compassion. It challenges us to leave behind sin and embrace a life that reflects Christ’s love and holiness. Understanding the Resurrection in a theological and personal sense is foundational, but it is imperative that we translate this understanding into how we live. As faithful Christians, we are called to embody the reality of the Resurrection in various ways in our daily lives, allowing it to shape our actions, attitudes, and relationships.

We are an Easter people – Resurrection people. One of the most evident ways to live as Easter people is to be filled with joy. This joy is not superficial but deeply rooted in the assurance of Christ’s victory over death. It is a joy that should permeate our daily lives and interactions, becoming a testament to the transformation brought about by the Resurrection of the Lord. When others see our unshakable joy, even amidst trials and tribulations, they witness the transformative power of the Resurrection.

Living as an Easter people also means allowing the power of the Resurrection to transform every aspect of our lives. This requires us to turn away from sin and pursue holiness. It means living a life of integrity, generosity, and service. We must continually renew our minds and hearts through prayer, Word of God, and participation in the sacraments, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Our relationships should reflect the love and forgiveness exemplified by Christ. We are called to love our brothers and sisters (our neighbours), as ourselves, to forgive those who hurt us, and to build bridges of reconciliation and peace. Our communities should be marked by the presence of Christ’s love, shaping how we interact and serve one another.

The joy and power of the Resurrection are not experiences meant to be kept private but rather shared with the world. As Easter people, we are commissioned to spread the Good News of Christ’s victory over death, echoing the angel’s proclamation at the tomb, “He is not here; He has risen!” (Matthew 28:6). This can be done through our words, actions, and the way we live our lives. Every act of kindness, every word of hope, every display of Christ-like love is a testament to the power of resurrection at work within us.

As we journey through this Paschal season, let us remember and celebrate the victory of our Lord’s Resurrection with renewed fervour and commitment. By understanding its deep theological and personal significance, we shall anchor our faith in the reality of Christ’s triumph over sin and death. By living as Resurrection people, we can allow this transformative power to reshape our daily lives, relationships, and communities. By spreading the Easter message, let us fulfil our mission to share the hope and joy of the Resurrection with a world in need.

May our Blessed Mother, who welcomed Jesus, the ‘Gospel of Life’, into her womb at the angel’s annunciation and rejoiced at the moment of His resurrection, obtain for us the grace to be messengers of His joy, heralds of His love, and witnesses of His Resurrection in the world.

Wish you all, my dear confreres, a truly blessed, joyful and hope-filled Easter!

Yours affectionately,

Fr. Jose Thomas Koyickal sdb,
Provincial