Joy: Easter Reflection

It has been more than 40 days since Catholics embarked on their Lenten journey. The tone of the weeks leading into this moment was suffering, death, mortification, giving alms, praying, and fasting.

That period came to an end through the Easter Triduum, when we unite all of our sufferings to Christ crucified. Now that it is Easter Sunday, we can celebrate with joy for not just one day but up until Pentecost, the birth of the Catholic Church.

St. John Chrysostom reminds us, “Easter is not just a day to celebrate; it is a season to live with renewed faith and hope.” We look at the empty tomb and realize that Christ rose from the dead. He rose from the dead to conquer death to bring about new life. The first two Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary explain faith and hope well.

In the first mystery, The Resurrection, Christ couldn’t be found in the tomb. The angel tells those who found it that he is no longer dead. St. Paul wrote to Corinth, “Death is swallowed up in victory./ Where, O death, is your victory?/ Where, O death, is your sting?”/ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Christ conquered death through his love when he descended into hell.

In the second mystery, The Ascension, Christ commissioned his apostles and disciples. While it was daunting, each was filled with the Holy Spirit and the joy of God to share his gospel with every person.  

It’s a day of rejoicing. Joy to the World. Christ has risen. Alleluia

Happy Easter!