Easter: Christ is Risen!

Dear Parishioners,

An ancient Christian Easter (Paschal) greeting is the following: Christ is Risen! The other person would respond: He is Risen indeed!

What is your reaction to this statement?

When St. Paul went to Athens and spoke to the people there, the following occurred: “When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, but others said, ‘We should like to hear you on this some other time.’” (Acts 17:32)

What happened on Easter Sunday is the most significant event for all humanity but especially for us as believing Christians. Christ rose from the dead demonstrating for all his divinity and giving us, His followers, the promise and hope of eternal life. Christ conquered sin and death. He now offers us a share in His Resurrection (eternal life).

So again I ask: What is your reaction?

Is it one that takes this event for granted? Is it one of intellectual curiosity like some of the Athenians? Is it one of doubt and confusion? Do we scoff with unbelief like some of the Athenians? (I would then have to question the very fact of your coming to church today, if that is the case.)

Or is your reaction one of belief, gratitude and hope? And if we do believe, does our belief express itself in the way we live our lives?

When we get to that point in our earthly journey when we realize our own mortality—we are all going to die—it is our belief in the Resurrection of Christ that turns despair and grief into life and hope.

I again refer to the words of St. Paul: “. . . If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” (1 Cor. 15:17-18)

I can only imagine the inexplicable joy that the apostles had when they saw Jesus alive again. I am sure that it surpassed their greatest expectations and gave them a faith in Christ that they would subsequently take to the ends of the earth. They would live and die for Christ, trying to spread His message of Good News—the Gospel. They would speak about resurrection and eternal life. They had their hope restored and they attempted to give others hope in Jesus.

This Easter I pray that you experience the joy of the Risen Christ. May your faith in Him and love for Him increase and radiate from your entire being. He is not dead but very much alive!

Today as a Church we boldly proclaim our belief in the Risen Lord. Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!  

Happy Easter!

Fr. Ed Namiotka

Pastor