Easter Sunday Resurrection of the Lord

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” (Psalm 118:24)

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is truly risen!

Today we celebrate the heart of our faith, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Everything we believe as Christians centers on this one triumphant truth—that love is stronger than death, mercy greater than sin, and hope brighter than despair.

In today’s Gospel from John, we see Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb in the early morning darkness. She finds the stone rolled away and runs to tell Peter and the beloved disciple. They, too, race to the tomb and find it empty, the burial clothes left behind. And then, we read those powerful words: “He saw and believed.”

What did they believe? That Jesus, who was crucified, is alive. That death did not have the final word. That all He said—about love, forgiveness, sacrifice, and new life—was true.

And that brings us to the mystery we celebrate at every Eucharist, especially on this most glorious day: when Jesus said at the Last Supper, “This is my body, given up for you... This is my blood, poured out for you.” He meant every word. He gave Himself completely on the Cross, and in rising, He gives Himself eternally.

The Resurrection is not just about Jesus coming back to life—it is about us being brought into new life. St. Paul tells us in Colossians, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above.” In other words, because Christ is risen, we are now called to live as risen people.

But how?

First, by recognizing who we are: we are children of God. The Resurrection restores our dignity. Christ became one of us not just to die, but to lift us up—to remind us that every human being is a precious gift from God. There is beauty and holiness in being human. Jesus did not rise only to return to heaven—He rose to draw us with Him.

Second, by understanding what He offers us: forgiveness and redemption. As Peter proclaims in the first reading, “Everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins through his name.” Christ bore our sins so that we could be free. He defeated not just death, but also the shame, guilt, and brokenness we carry.

Third, by realizing what our response must be: a life of love and gratitude. If Jesus has given Himself so completely—His Body, His Blood—how can we not offer ourselves in return? Not out of obligation, but out of awe. What a privilege to be loved so much. What a calling to love others with that same generosity.

That’s what St. Paul means when he says in 1 Corinthians: “Let us celebrate the feast... with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Let’s clear out the “old yeast”—anything false, bitter, or selfish—and become new dough, rising with the warmth of love and grace.

The Resurrection challenges us. It asks: Do we believe? Do we live as people who have seen the empty tomb? Do we love as people who have been loved unto death?

Mary Magdalene ran from the tomb to proclaim the good news. Peter and John saw and believed. Now it’s our turn. Let our lives become a testimony to the truth: Christ is risen, and because of that, we can live with hope, love with courage, forgive with mercy, and rejoice with hearts full of grace.

So today, let us not only sing Alleluia—let us live Alleluia. Let our lives echo His love, His sacrifice, and His victory. Because this is the day the Lord has made—and it is only the beginning.

Amen. Alleluia.