Annette Mattappally

As Easter approaches, I hope we can all find time to reflect upon and share the true meaning of Easter. Growing up as children, we looked forward to Easter season for the easter candies and the egg hunts. But, have we tried to understand what Easter really means to us as a Christians and persons?!

As we read from the Bible, and understand from tradition, Easter is the commemoration of Jesus’ resurrection from death. According to St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, chapter 1:13-14, “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain.”

“IF THERE IS NO RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, THEN CHRIST HAS NOT BEEN RAISED; AND IF CHRIST HAS NOT BEEN RAISED, THEN OUR PROCLAMATION HAS BEEN IN VAIN AND YOUR FAITH HAS BEEN IN VAIN.”

Our whole faith is based on this day, as we celebrate our belief in the divine. Jesus had to be resurrected; if not, our faith would have been in vain; and it would have no purpose.

When I meditate upon Easter, I personally think about hope, especially in these days with covid, the war, mental health issues etc. Reflecting on Jesus’ life until his death and resurrection, I think about how even in the worst moments of our lives, in the darkest and lowest points, there is still hope solely because Jesus is alive! Christ’s resurrection shows us that there is redemption in life’s pain and suffering. I remember reading, “we know that darkness and suffering and pain and sorrow will not last forever because He lives. And there is always joy in the morning even after the darkest of nights.”

“we know that darkness and suffering and pain and sorrow will not last forever because He lives. And there is always joy in the morning even after the darkest of nights.”

I just like to remember that even after all the pain and sorrow Christ endured for us, after those horrible nights of His passion and crucifixion, there was a dawn filled with joy as Christ resurrected reminding us there is still hope for the next day. With Christ, we can do everything and face any challenge.