Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Fred Mislang SVD – Verbum, Los Banos Laguna
Easter Sunday
Introduction
In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Easter is celebrated with a beautiful custom: eggs are blessed and distributed to all. People greet one another by cracking their eggs together. One cries, “Christ is risen!” and the other responds, “Truly, He is risen!” The cracking of the egg symbolizes Christ breaking forth from the tomb, just as new life bursts forth when a chick breaks out of its shell.
The Symbol of the Egg
The egg appears lifeless until it brings forth life. In the same way, Christ truly died before rising again. As St. Paul proclaims: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). His resurrection is the promise of our own.
The Stone Rolled Away
The Gospel tells us: “They saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away” (Mark 16:4). By God’s power, Christ’s grave was opened. By that same power, the stones that weigh us down — deceit, selfishness, anger, envy, lust, indifference — can also be rolled away. As Jesus said: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Our Call to Rise
Easter joy is not only about Christ’s resurrection long ago. It is about our rising today. St. Paul reminds us: “If we have died with Him, we shall also live with Him” (Romans 6:8). We rise when we pattern our lives after Jesus, when His wounds are reflected in our love, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Conclusion
This is the reason for our joy: Jesus is risen, and He promises that we who live and suffer with Him will also rise with Him. Let us ask the Risen Lord to remove the stones that bury us, so that Easter may be truly meaningful in our lives.
“Alleluia! Christ is risen. Truly, He is risen!”
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