He Is Risen: The Joy That Endures

On Easter Sunday, the Church proclaims with uncontainable joy: “Christ is risen! He is truly risen!” This is not merely the commemoration of a past event, but the celebration of a present reality. The Resurrection is not just something that happened to Jesus—it is something that has forever changed the fabric of creation. It is the definitive victory of life over death, grace over sin, hope over despair.

In baptism, we are united to Christ’s death so that we might also be united to His resurrection (cf. Rom 6:3–5). The Christian life is nothing less than a participation in the Paschal Mystery: we die with Him, so that we might live with Him. This is the foundation of our joy. Not worldly comfort or success, but the unshakable hope that Christ has defeated death—and invites us into His eternal life.

Even the apostles struggled to comprehend this mystery. When Mary Magdalene told Peter and John that the tomb was empty, they ran to see for themselves (Jn 20:1–10). They did not yet understand the Scripture that He must rise from the dead. But the empty tomb, the folded burial cloths, and most of all, the Risen Christ Himself—these would become the foundation of their transformation.

This transformation leads to mission. The Risen Lord appears to His disciples not only to console them, but to commission them:“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Mt 28:18–20).The Church is not an invention of men but the living extension of Christ’s mission. It is through her, as the Body of Christ, that the Good News of the Resurrection continues to echo throughout time.

Peter’s speech in Acts 10 summarizes the Church’s Easter proclamation:

“They put Him to death by hanging Him on a tree; but God raised Him on the third day… and He commanded us to preach to the people… that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name” (Acts 10:39–43).

This is the heart of our faith: Jesus, who truly died, now lives. He offers forgiveness, not only to a chosen few, but to all who believe. In Him, sin is no longer the final word. Death is no longer our destiny. And love is no longer fleeting—it is eternal.

This Easter, may our hearts be opened to receive this Good News anew. Let us rejoice—not with shallow optimism, but with the deep joy of those who have encountered the Risen One. For Christ is risen, and in Him, so too shall we rise.