The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ to life is the culmination of our Christian faith. Had not Christ risen from the dead our faith would have been frivolous and useless. St Paul affirms this basic truth twice in his first letter to the Corinthians. “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain” (1 Cor 15, 14). “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Cor 15, 17).

The Resurrection of Jesus was God’s reply to sin. “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Rom 5, 20). Sin’s ammunition is hatred whereas God’s ammunition is love. In front of hatred and jealousy Jesus replied: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Lk 23, 34). When confronted with the death of his friend Lazarus, Jesus responded: “Lazarus, come out” (Jn 11, 43). To his own death Jesus’ answer was “the Son of man – will be raised on the third day”(Matt 20, 18-19).

St John of Damascus writes: “Now let the heavens be joyful, let earth her song begin: let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein; invisible and visible, their notes let all things blend. For Christ the Lord is risen. Our joy that hath no end.” May the Risen Christ be always our joy that never ends!

O Risen Lord, the way, the truth and the life, make us faithful followers of the spirit of your resurrection. Grant that we may be inwardly renewed; dying to ourselves in order that you may live in us. May our lives serve as signs of the transforming power of your love. Use us as your instruments for the renewal of society, bring your life and love to all and leading them to your Church. This we ask of you, Lord Jesus, living and reigning with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever. Amen

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

San Gwann