This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. (Psalm 118)
There is indeed a cause for us to celebrate and rejoice this Easter Sunday because the Lord has truly risen. If we go through the Lenten Season, especially during the most holy of all weeks of the year, we will truly appreciate the celebration of Easter Sunday because of what Jesus went through: from the persecutions of the religious leaders of his time, the Pharisees, scribes and fellow Jews, to the betrayal of his disciples, especially Judas and Peter; the public trial that subjected him to all kinds of mockery and humiliation; the sufferings and pains he endured from the cruelty while he carried the cross. He stumbled and fell until he reached the place only to be crucified and hung on the cross. Eventually he died. These scenarios are hard to imagine and maybe beyond expectation for a man thought to be good and powerful and yet became powerless when he suffered and died.
Those who accused and betrayed him probably rejoiced for what they did, but it was only for a moment because after three days, he resurrected. That must have brought shame to all of them. That He won and they were defeated. That He brought victory over death and sin. That He brought hope for those who are suffering and in pain. If you suffer because of others and not of your own wrongdoings, then you can merit from it if you persevere with faith.
Again, this can be hard to understand, but having the image of the risen Christ, it strengthens us and encourages us to believe that suffering and the power of darkness will not prevail because Christ has conquered them. He gave us hope. Suffering and death are not the end. There is resurrection. The good will always triumph over evil. And God, as always, is good and powerful.
Let us rejoice and be glad for the Lord has truly risen! Happy Easter
Sidenote: We are happy to have our elect, Jackson Ringler, receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Holy Communion for the first time at our Easter vigil after he successfully completed his journey into the RCIA program. Congratulations!