Alleluia! He Is Risen!

04-04-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear People of God,

Christ is risen and the Lord is risen indeed! Today, we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ! This event is the greatest event in our Catholic faith. It is through the resurrection that Christ defeated sin and death and opened for us the gates to eternal life. All of God’s promises are fulfilled through this glorious event. This year, we are to celebrate Easter in a challenging context. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the whole world, this situation has dwindled our enthusiasm to celebrate Easter.

Yet, despite these painful situations, the message of Easter continues to be a joyful one of courage and hope.

Centuries back the first experience of the disciples with the Risen Lord occurred in similar circumstances. Out of fear and to protect their lives, the disciples of Jesus gathered in a room, behind closed doors. And there the Risen Christ came among them, bringing his peace. As they were startled and terrified, “He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened? See that it is I myself.’” (Luke 24:37-39).

The Risen Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Easter is a reminder and encouragement that God in Christ continues to love and care for the whole world, overcoming death with life, conquering fear and uncertainty with hope.

To those who may be tempted to explain the present situation as an expression of God’s punishment and wrath, the Easter message conveys that our God is a loving God, the source of life, not death, the God of life and love “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:16-17).

Dear Friends, throughout the centuries, the Easter greeting” Christ is risen!” has always infused Christians with the power and courage to confront death, destruction, oppression end enslavement, fear, doubt and uncertainty. As we are confronted today with the challenges of COVID-19, I assure you that I am praying for you all. We are united in prayers and in affirming together our common faith and hope in the Risen Lord: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:55, 57). We know God is powerful. He overcomes evil and even death. This gives us hope and joy. We can say this with greater conviction this year. May this Easter give us greater trust and hope.

He is alive! May the risen Redeemer shine on each one of us and our families this glorious Easter day and for the rest of our lives.
Christ is risen! Have a Happy Sunday day !!

Yours in Christ Jesus,
Fr. Doss

BACK TO LIST