The resurrection of Christ is the basis of our Christian faith. The Resurrection is the greatest of the miracles–it proves that Jesus is God. That is why St. Paul writes:” If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain; and your faith is in vain…And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is a delusion and you are still lost in your sins…But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”

Without the Resurrection, Jesus would have remained forever a good person who met a tragic end. People would remember some of his teachings and a handful of people might try to live according to them. All basic doctrines of Christianity are founded on the truth of the Resurrection.

“Jesus is Lord, He is risen”

Jesus assured Martha at the tomb of Lazarus: “ I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even though he dies” Christ will raise us up on the last day, but it is also true, in a sense, that we have already risen with Christ. By virtue of the Holy Spirit, Christian life is already a participation in the death and Resurrection of Christ.

Easter is a feast which gives us hope and encouragement in this world of pain, sorrows and tears. It reminds us that life is worth living. It is our belief in the real presence of the risen Jesus that gives meaning to our personal, as well as to our common prayers. Our trust in the all-pervading presence of the risen Lord gives us strength to fight against temptations, and freedom from unnecessary worries and fears.