Christ is risen! Truly He is risen! Just as He said He would!

“But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples…” (Matthew 28:5-7).

Oh, glorious day!

The cross of crucifixion becomes the cross of our victory! 

In a world embroiled in sin, full of wars and violence, marked by suffering and evil, Jesus comes and takes it all upon Himself on the cross. And conquers it all. 

In a 2016 homily given on Palm Sunday, Bishop Barron says, “Christianity turns on the wonderful poetry of the cross.”

The symbol of torture and humiliation becomes the reason for our joy. The problems we face personally and in our world have been defeated by the dying and rising of Jesus Christ.

It’s right that Mary and Mary Magdalene visit the tomb and discover that Jesus has risen at the dawn of a new week. For at Easter a new day dawns in each of our lives. 

Upon realizing that Jesus has been raised, the women quickly depart with “fear and joy.” 

The victory that Jesus has won for us today and everyday triumphs over fear and uncertainty, disappointment and failure, and even death itself. 

The resurrected Jesus gives the crosses of our personal life and our world an entirely new meaning. 

So today, bring the crosses and suffering in your life to the empty tomb. Allow the risen Jesus, who is still alive today, roll away the stones in your life too. 

Jesus is Lord, yesterday, today and forever!

Happy Easter!

Patrick is a beloved son of the Father who desires to use his gifts to build up the Kingdom of God. You can read more of his writing on his blog.