The Cross, once a symbol of suffering and death, has become for us a sign of hope and life. In His prayer to the Father at Gethsemane, Jesus acknowledged the deep anguish of the Cross: “Father, if it is your will, take this cup away from me.” Had His prayer ended there, the Cross might still remain only a symbol of suffering. But Jesus continued, “Yet not my will, but yours be done.”
This surrender to the will of the Father transformed the meaning of the Cross. Jesus carried its weight, a heavy burden that brought Him to the ground and, from a human perspective, led to His death. His body was laid in the tomb.
And then came the morning of the third day, with the great proclamation: the tomb is empty, He has risen. Yes, He has risen because God’s love is stronger than death. From that moment, the Cross became a sign of victory, hope, and new life.
Each time we make the Sign of the Cross, we proclaim that we are followers of Jesus Christ, who conquered death through the Cross. Our Lord and our God is alive.
During Holy Week and Easter, we do not simply recall events from two thousand years ago. Rather, through the renewal of our baptismal promises, we recommit ourselves to life with God, to follow His guidance and to live as His people.
In our time, when religion and the name of God are sometimes misused to justify war and persecution, we proclaim the true God: the God of mercy and compassion, the God of peace and life. We pray that those who cause or justify violence may come to recognise the true face of God, who brings peace and life to the world.
Easter is also a special time to gather with family, not only around the table, but around the altar of the Eucharist, where we come together as one family of God, praying for one another and renewing our commitment to Him and to His people.
As we wish one another a Happy Easter, let us remember that true joy flows from this message: the tomb is empty, Christ is risen, He is alive. He renews our hope and restores our lives.
Our Lord and our God is ALIVE.