EASTER SUNDAY A
WHY WE NEED THIS DAY
There is an idea that comes from
St Francis de Sales that makes sense of the Resurrection of Jesus in daily
life.
The gentleman saint said that on
waking up each morning, we must thank the Lord for the gift of another day, for
the gift of “our” Resurrection.
It makes real sense because a nighttime
sleep is a reflection of death itself. In fact, many people sleep and never
wake up the following day.
To wake up is actually a
foretaste of the Resurrection!
This little act of thanking the
Lord for his gift of life is so important today. It is a sign of hope. It is a
sign of victory. It is a sign of God’s active presence in our lives.
There are people who are so
burdened by problems that they are afraid to welcome another day.
There are sick people who suffer
so much sickness that they dread another day of pain, medication, or of
therapy.
There are some of us who find no
meaning in life that tomorrow is no longer exciting, no longer full of promise.
What about those who are
immobilized by the guilt of the past that joy has already escaped from their
hearts?
Some people even wish for death…
and even some attempt it… because life has become a heavy load!
God knows we go through all these
crosses, darkness, tribulations each day. That is the reason why Jesus took the
cross, embraced, died on it. He showed us how not to be afraid or defeated by
dark forces in our world.
But “This man 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…” says Peter in Acts 10 in the first reading
today.
The Resurrection of Jesus is real…
it is visible… because we are its witnesses!
We are not only witnesses of
challenges, and problems and trials!
We are witnesses of Jesus’ power,
healing, energy and hope!
We celebrated Holy Week not to
remain at the foot of the Cross but to meet Jesus outside his empty tomb.
The Resurrection is not a
finished event! It is still ongoing in the lives of struggling people – like you
and me!
Do you have many problems? Jesus assures
you, it will pass away… one by one.
Are you sick? Jesus is the healer
of body and soul… unite yourself with him.
Do you feel guilt and remorse for
the past? His blood already cleansed you from sin…
Are you seeking an end to your
life? Hold it! There is a reason why you are alive today… don’t waste it.
Today Jesus is risen! Rejoice in
him and partake of his new life.
Each day, we rise again from
sleep. Be grateful and celebrate your gift of daily Resurrection from the Lord.
Happy Easter to all!
(Don’t forget to share with a
friend…)
