“But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” [1 Corinthians 15: 20].
Imagine a garden, quiet and still in the early morning light. Dew clings to the grass, and a heavy stone sits in front of a tomb. This is the scene of our Easter story, a story of love, sacrifice, and the incredible power of hope. In this story, we meet Mary Magdalene and the disciples, close friends of Jesus, who are about to experience something that will change their lives forever.
But before we get to that amazing morning, we need to remember what happened just days before. We re-live these events during what the Church traditionally calls “Holy Week”. On Palm Sunday, we commemorated Jesus’ grand entrance into Jerusalem. Palms in hands, the crowd joyfully exulted at the coming of the Son of God into the city, certainly with hopes and expectations.
However, things would take a different turn a few days later, and this would mark the beginning of Jesus’ passion. Jesus, who loved everyone deeply, knew that he had to make the ultimate sacrifice. He gathered with his friends for a final meal, the Last Supper, and shared bread and wine, symbols of his body and blood, which he would offer for us.
Jesus showed us the greatest love of all: “no one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” [John 15: 13]. It was during that sacred moment that he washed the feet of his disciples as well, leaving us an immaculate act of service and humility.
Dear young friends, Easter is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Jesus’ resurrection means that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life with God
Then came Good Friday, a day of immense sorrow. Jesus was arrested, unjustly accused, and crucified. Imagine the pain and suffering he endured, all out of love for us. The Bible tells us, “Jesus cried out again in a loud voice, and gave up his spirit” [Matthew 27: 50]. His mother was in deep sorrow, His friends were heartbroken, their hopes seemingly crushed as they laid his body in the tomb. It was a dark and despairing time.
But the story doesn’t end there! Early on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene and other women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. But when they arrived, the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty! An angel appeared and announced the incredible news: “ He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” [Matthew 18: 6]. Jesus had conquered death! He was alive again! This was the dawn of a new era, a time of hope and joy beyond measure.
This is what happened back then. But is this story still relevant today?
Isn’t it a distant story, unrelated to us today? What does this mean for us today? These questions might be present in your minds as we gather to celebrate Easter, the foundation of our faith. As such, Easter means “something” much bigger than what we can possibly think.
Dear young friends, Easter is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Jesus’ resurrection means that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life with God. As it says in the Scriptures, “now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” [1 Corinthians 15: 20]. It also shows us the power of forgiveness. Jesus died for our sins, offering you and me a chance to start anew.
So, how can we live out the Easter message in our own lives? We can start by sharing the love and forgiveness that Jesus showed us. Be kind to one another, show care and concern to classmates and friends, help those in need, and always choose love over hate.
Always bear in mind that love starts at home. Just as Jesus rose from the dead, we too can rise above our challenges and struggles with faith and hope. Remember, we are “pilgrims of Hope”.
Let us pray: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your incredible love and sacrifice. Thank you for conquering death and offering us the gift of eternal life. Help us to live out the message of Easter each and every day, sharing your love, forgiveness, and hope with the world.
Happy Easter…
In Christ,
Dominique Mukonda, CICM
