Easter in a time of pandemic and war

As the Church enters Holy Week and celebrates another Paschal Triduum, some may ask what Easter means in times such as these. We have been through a lot these past few years. We have experienced another year of pandemic. The threat of an expanding war in Ukraine is looming over the world. Death has cast its shadow over us in unexpected ways. Can faith still sustain us in the face of such challenges?

“Why do you seek the risen one among the dead? He is not here. He has been raised” (Lk.24:6). This startling news announced by the angels to Mary Magdalene at the tomb on Easter morning and proclaimed by the Apostles and countless witnesses throughout the ages summarizes the heart of Christian faith. “Christ is risen! Indeed, he is truly risen!” Death has met its match.

In order to experience this startling proclamation as Good News, however, it must mean something for us personally. The Easter proclamation is not merely information about the fate of Jesus. Information cannot save us. Only an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ has power to save. Yes, the Father has truly exalted Jesus by raising him up through the power of the Holy Spirit. But, what is that to us?

Jesus, the Son of God, became man, suffered, died and rose again precisely “for us men and for our salvation,” as we say in the Nicene Creed at Mass. He gave his life for us, for you and for me, to reveal the Father’s love for us. 

Because Jesus Christ has conquered death in our human flesh, we have hope that we will share his victory through faith. Faith and Baptism give us a share in his new life. We already are living that new life of grace that will come to its fullness in heaven. Baptism gives us a share in the victory of life. It is truly the birthday of hope.     

Ever since sin entered the world, humanity had been trapped in a downward spiral of hopelessness. Death ultimately consumed all hopes and dreams. But, Christ has passed beyond the dark veil of death and hopelessness. 

Death does not have the last word after all! Life will not end for us in emptiness. Jesus Christ conquers death. He reigns victorious and we hope to reign with him. Now this is Good News indeed! 

Encountering the Risen Jesus gives life a new horizon and offers us unshakable hope. 

A person who is losing hope feels life ebbing away. Maybe you and I have been that person at some point. Hope is always restorative. If a sick or discouraged person discovers something to hope for, however small, they discover a new vitality. No matter how many times a person might have tried and failed, hope gives that person the courage to try again. 

Even if nothing seems to have changed, when hope blossoms in a human heart or in a marriage or in a family, everything seems new. Life is renewed. Hope is the source of this new life and energy. It invigorates faith and stimulates love. The theological virtue of hope has as its object the full possession of new and eternal life in Christ. 

Jesus Christ is our hope. Ultimately, our hope looks forward to resurrection from death on the last day, but our more immediate hope is renewed and sustained by the experience of spiritual resurrection in small victories over sin, discouragement and fear in our daily lives. 

Our mission is to give witness to hope in the world. We have a beautiful liturgical gesture during the Easter Vigil that reminds us of this. As we pass a small flame to one another and illuminate the darkened church with light from the Easter candle, we recognize that our calling is to carry Christ, the light and hope of the world, to the dark places and despairing hearts still awaiting the liberating message of Christ. Christ is our hope! This is what Easter means.