Glorious Resurrection Sunday

“He is not here: for He is risen, as he said. Come; see the place where the Lord lay.”- St. Matthew 28:6. Another Lenten period has ended and our souls have been enriched because of Jesus’ love towards us that while we were yet sinners He died for us. The above-mentioned words in the gospel of St. Matthew by the angel of the Lord more than 2 centuries ago still resonate with Christians and non-Christians alike. The world today is as much troubled as it was during the Biblical times when our Lord Jesus Christ walked the earth. As it was then we are faced with wars, rumours of wars, famine, malice, murders, rape, arson, genocide, human trafficking, theft and the list goes on indefinitely. Easter is a time of renewal and hope. There is spirit of renewed hope for humanity during Easter. Unfortunately, we have seen the last few Easters being commemorated during times of global turmoil, this year is the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Yet, even the horrors of war cannot diminish the message and power which Easter brings. The message is one of second chances. Jesus’ crucifixion on Calvary’s cross for the remission of our sins not only highlights His unwavering and ultimate sacrifice towards us His children but it also provides us with a second chance of getting our lives and our house in order. We feel an immense sense of hope when we read the gospels, particularly the words; He is not here, for He is risen. We can imagine to some extent the immense joy both Marys experienced upon hearing those words of hope from the angels. Initially, what was meant to be concern and despair turned out to be jubilation and exceeding joy and happiness. We all have moments of despair in our lives; some of us might even have those moments more often than others. We have lost jobs; some have lost spouses, family and friends especially during the last two years to the novel coronavirus. Many of us have experienced bouts of depression which have negatively impacted our state of mental health. However, the Cross epitomizes an everlasting hope and renewal of spirit that only those who are children of God can truly experience. Too many of us have this false notion that attending church is what saves us. While on the Cross, one of the thieves asked and was granted forgiveness by Jesus. While the fellowship which the church provides is critical merely attending church is not a passport to heaven. We must have a personal relationship with God. It is rather amazing that in Jesus’ resurrection we have hope eternal. Resurrection Sunday is what the Christian experience is all about. We worship a living God. Our God is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient. The fact that Christ rose on the third day after his crucifixion provides us with hope and strength to carry on in a troubled world.

The Ascension The most important events in human history were the death and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote, “If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” (1 Corinthians 15:14 & 17). The cross becomes meaningless with Jesus’ resurrection. The cross and the resurrection are indeed central themes in the Old and New Testament. After His resurrection, Jesus visited ordinary places and spoke to ordinary people. He came to some in a garden, to two on the road to Emmaus, to others at the lakeside. He met a group in the Upper Room and others on a hilltop. He shared their meals and their walks. He came to them when they were working and when they were waiting. Undoubtedly, these folks who Jesus appeared to shortly after his resurrection were afraid; many of us would be too. In St. Matthew 28:10 we read the first words Jesus said after his resurrection. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” The first words Jesus spoke were clearly one of hope and reassurance. It is in Jesus’ resurrection from death that we have a blessed reassurance of eternal life. Jesus also spoke just before his ascension into heaven. “And Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven.”- St. Luke 24:50-52. Saint Luke, also known as Luke the Evangelist, is widely regarded as the author of both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. Luke was presumably educated as a physician. Many Christians draw hope in the words of Jesus in the book of St. John 14:3, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. Our hope is hinged on the return of Christ; his Second Coming is widely anticipated. On this Resurrection Sunday it is as good a time for us to recommit our lives and restore our connection with the one and living God who paid the ultimate price for the remission of our sins. I leave with you selected lines from two of my favourite gospel songs. From the lyrics of Resurrecting by Elevation Worship “The head that once was crowned with thorns Is crowned with glory now The Savior knelt to wash our feet Now at His feet we bow The One who wore our sin and shame Now robed in majesty The radiance of perfect love Now shines for all to see Your name, your name Is victory All praise, will rise To Christ, our king Your name, Your name Is victory All praise, will rise To Christ, our king The fear that held us now gives way To Him who is our peace His final breath upon the cross Is now alive in me Your name, Your name Is victory All praise, will rise To Christ, our king By Your spirit I will rise From the ashes of defeat The resurrected King, is resurrecting me In Your name I come alive To declare Your victory (c'mon!) The resurrected King, is resurrecting me.” You Have Won The Victory/ The Anthem "Hallelujah,You have won the victory Hallelujah, You have won it all for me Death could not hold you down, You are the risen King, You're seated in majesty You are the risen King." In the words of Peter, the Apostle in 1st Peter 1:3, praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Have a holy and reflective Easter. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #EasterSunday #ResurrectionSunday #Easter #Lent #hope