In the tales of the Desert Fathers, there’s a story about Abbot John the Dwarf. He asked God to free him from all his strong feelings, and God granted his request, leaving him without emotions. When he told one of the elders about this, expecting praise, the elder surprised him by saying, “Ask God to bring back your struggles. Our souls grow stronger when faced with challenges.” So, Abbot John prayed for inner conflict. When the trials returned, he didn’t ask for them to stop but instead prayed for strength: “Help me, Lord, to endure this battle.” [Thomas Merton, The Wisdom of the Desert (New York: New Directions, 1960), p. 56-57.]
Lenten season is a time to pray for endurance and strength in the face of our inner battles. We are a people of resurrection. Unlike the nonbelievers, we see the empty tomb as a symbol of hope because we are a people of resurrection, In the tapestry of Christianity, Easter emerges as a pivotal thread, arguably eclipsing even Christmas in significance. Why the emphasis? Because Easter is the apex of Jesus’ divine mission and the culmination of His earthly sojourn. It serves as a poignant commemoration of His triumph over death, offering the promise of everlasting life to those who embrace Him.
The resurrection narrative finds its recapping in all the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel unveils a unique perspective weaving a rich rainbow of the event. While nuances may vary, the fundamental storyline remains consistent: Jesus, once buried following His crucifixion, mysteriously disappears from His tomb after three days.
In the wake of Jesus’ crucifixion, doubt clouded the minds of contemporary believers. His demise seemed to signal defeat. Yet, His resurrection nullified these doubts, affirming His divinity. This narrative sums up the bedrock of Christian faith: Jesus Christ’s redemptive mission, His conquest over death, and His promise of eternal life. Easter, an annual reenactment of this profound miracle, symbolizes the hope and salvation bestowed upon believers — the assurance of forgiveness and the pledge of eternal fellowship with Christ.
The season of Spring which is a time of renewal, also brings the liturgical season of Easter that symbolizes hope. During Lent, we confront our inner struggles and find the courage to overcome them. For believers, Easter is the pinnacle of faith, even more significant than Christmas. Why? Because Easter celebrates Jesus’ victory over death, offering eternal life to those who follow Him.
Wish you all A Happy Easter.
