Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Feast Day: The first Sunday after the first full moon of spring
Liturgical Color: White (Symbolizing joy, purity, and victory)
Significance: Celebrates Jesus Christ’s Resurrection from the dead, the central event of Christianity and the foundation of our faith.

Easter Sunday is the greatest and most important feast of the Christian calendar, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the culmination of Holy Week and the Paschal Mystery, marking Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the grave.

On this glorious day, Catholics and Christians around the world rejoice in the victory of Christ, who has:

1. Risen from the dead, fulfilling His promise (Luke 24:6-7).
2. Conquered sin and death, offering us eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
3. Opened the gates of Heaven, restoring our relationship with God (Romans 5:10-11).

Easter is the foundation of Christian faith:

• "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:14)

Through the Resurrection, Jesus proves that He is truly God and Savior, and that all who believe in Him will share in His victory.

"On the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. But when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus."

• The women disciples were the first witnesses of the empty tomb.
• The stone is rolled away, showing that Jesus is alive!

"Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay."

• The angel confirms the Resurrection and calls the disciples to spread the good news.

"She turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means Teacher)."

• Jesus appears first to Mary Magdalene, showing His personal love for His followers.
• Her recognition of Jesus mirrors how He calls each of us by name.

"Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord."

• Jesus appears bodily to His disciples, proving that His Resurrection is physical, not just spiritual.
• His greeting "Peace be with you" brings reconciliation and victory over fear.

"When he was at the table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight."

• Jesus is recognized in the breaking of the bread, prefiguring the Eucharist.

Easter is the heart of the Gospel because:

1. Jesus' Victory Over Sin and Death – Death could not hold Him; His Resurrection proves His divine power.
2. The Promise of Eternal Life – Through Baptism, we are united to Christ’s Resurrection and new life (Romans 6:4-5).
3. The Fulfillment of Scripture – Jesus’ Resurrection fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament (Psalm 16:10, Isaiah 53:10-11).
4. The Birth of the Church’s Mission – Christ’s Resurrection leads to the Great Commission, sending His disciples to proclaim salvation (Matthew 28:19-20).

• 1st Century: Easter was celebrated by early Christians as the greatest feast, commemorating the Resurrection of Christ.
• 4th Century: The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) formally established Easter’s date and celebration.
• Middle Ages-Present: Easter has remained the central feast of Christianity, celebrated with Masses, processions, and family gatherings.

Celebrated on Holy Saturday night, the Easter Vigil Mass marks the beginning of Easter with:

• The Blessing of the Paschal Fire – Symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World.
• The Exsultet (Easter Proclamation) – Rejoicing in the victory of Christ.
• The Liturgy of the Word – Tracing salvation history through Old Testament readings.
• The Baptism of Catechumens – New members enter the Church through Baptism, signifying new life in Christ.
• The First Easter Mass – The Gloria and Alleluia return, proclaiming Christ’s triumph!

• The Church celebrates with joy, reflecting on the empty tomb and the Risen Christ.
• The Paschal Candle remains lit, representing Christ’s presence among us.

• Traditional Greeting: "Christ is Risen!"
• Response: "He is truly Risen!"
• This greeting reflects the joy and faith of the early Church.

• Catholics renew their baptismal vows, rejecting sin and proclaiming faith in Christ.

• Easter is a time of celebration, often including a family meal, symbolizing the joy of Christ’s victory.

• Attend Easter Mass, rejoicing in Christ’s Resurrection.
• Renew your Baptismal promises, reflecting on your new life in Christ.
• Spend time in prayer and thanksgiving, meditating on the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection.
• Share the joy of the Gospel, proclaiming Christ’s victory to others.
• Live in the power of the Resurrection, bringing hope and love to those around you.

Easter Sunday is the greatest and most joyful day of the Church year. Christ’s Resurrection is the foundation of our faith, proving that He is the Son of God and that eternal life is promised to all who believe in Him. As we celebrate Easter, we proclaim the victory of Jesus over sin and death and rejoice in the hope of our own resurrection.