On this glorious Easter Sunday, the Church proclaims with joy: “Jesus is Risen!” But what does this truly mean for us? In the Gospel of John, we see Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John discovering the empty tomb. At first, they do not fully understand; their hearts remain clouded by sorrow and confusion. It is no great thing to believe that Jesus died; even the pagans believe this, everyone believes it. The truly great thing is to believe that he is risen.”
“He is not here, but has risen.” Yet, How can this be? How can life rise from death? How can resurrection spring from despair? Death is so real, so constant in our experience. When we hear news of violence, loss, or injustice, the promise of Easter can sound like an idle tale—a comforting but unbelievable story.
The women who first discovered the empty tomb experienced this, too. When they brought the message of resurrection to the apostles, their words seemed “like a fairy tale.” When we face suffering, death, and pain, the resurrection message can seem equally impossible, even silly at times. But this is precisely why we gather today.
“He is not here; He is Risen.” This first proclamation of the Resurrection changes everything. The empty tomb is not a sign of loss, but of victory. The disciples, still fearful, locked themselves away, uncertain of what was to come. And yet, through their fear, through their doubt, the Church continues to proclaim: “Christ is Risen!”
However, our experiences of pain and miseries in life might prompt us to ask: if Christ is Risen, why do suffering and injustice persist? Why do we witness war, oppression, illness, and tragedy? Where is the Lord in the midst of pain?
Although we may not always receive answers, we are bestowed with faith. This faith reassures us that the Risen Christ is here, turning suffering into redemption and despair into hope.
Believing in His death is simple; believing in His Resurrection is the real test. The disciples, who initially ran away in fear, transformed into bold witnesses after meeting the Risen Lord. An undeniable change occurred within them, inspiring them to declare Christ’s victory, even in the face of death.
The angel who appeared to the women Easter morning said to them: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). I must confess that at the end of these reflections, I feel that this rebuke is also directed at me. It is as if the angel were to say to me: “Why do you waste time seeking among dead human and historical arguments, the one who is alive and at work in the Church and in the world? Go instead and tell his brothers that he is risen.”
Today, let us carry this truth in our hearts: “Christ is Risen!” In the face of every trial, let us cling to this hope. And let us, like the first disciples, go forth and proclaim: “He is truly Risen!”
Father Josekutty Mathew CMF
