Q+A: What does the Resurrection mean for your life?

The Resurrection of Jesus is the greatest and most awaited event in the history of salvation.  It is the event that embraced both those who preceded Jesus, as beautifully mentioned in the Office of Readings of Holy Saturday, those who lived in Jesus’ time and us who have been baptized. Therefore, this fact, so important for all humanity and for me, implies three very important things. 

First, the Resurrection of Jesus has illuminated our existence, conquering sin and death and giving meaning to all our human frailty.  In numerous writings, the Resurrection of Jesus has been compared to the light and the sun that illuminate the darkness, and indeed it is so.  A few days ago, I had the opportunity to wait for the sunrise near the sea, and while I was waiting for it, doubts and fear arose in my mind as I observed in the darkness that an object on the shore was moving.  I thought that it could be a shark or something similar.  However, when the sun came up and gave clarity my doubt and fear disappeared when I realized that it was simply a stick pointing to a certain point in the sea.  It enlightens me greatly to think of the Resurrection of Jesus as that light that illuminates our whole life, giving certainty that after darkness comes light, after death comes resurrection. 

Second, it is the invitation to live a new life, to take a step further in my process of configuration with Christ, to give signs that the Resurrection of Jesus has affected my life. During Easter time, I like to contemplate all those people to whom Jesus appeared after His Resurrection, Mary Magdalene, Peter and John, the disciples of Emmaus.  In this contemplation I realize that after their encounter with the risen Jesus they are not the same.  Therefore, I believe that before the experience of the Resurrection we cannot remain indifferent, we are invited to live a new life.  I faithfully believe that it is by the power of the Resurrection that I can forgive, I can give of myself without expecting anything in return because Jesus is truly risen, I can love in beautiful moments and in difficult moments because Jesus is risen. 

Third, as a consequence of the two points mentioned above is to go out of ourselves and share this experience of the Resurrection with others.  As a witness of the Resurrection, we cannot remain silent, we must go out and announce this great news to those we meet.  This announcement must be with my words, the joy, and the manifestation of a new life, it is to announce that Jesus is risen and lives in me. 

Happy Easter!

-Sr. Aracely Lobaton
Missionary of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, M.C.S.H.

The first word that comes to my mind is BRAVE.  Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose from the dead.  What Jesus went through required faith and bravery along the entire way.

Jesus’ Resurrection has given me and others a life of opportunities to grow in faith.  We have sacraments and prayers to live by.  One sacrament I feel strongly about is the Sacrament of Penance.  Knowing I can go to confession and be freed from my sins is like being resurrected in my faith.

The Resurrection influences me in many of my day-to-day actions.  I have learned and continue to learn that nothing is impossible with having God by my side.  I try and live my life like a disciple of Christ. I keep a rosary always close by and on my nightstand.  My kindergarten teacher always taught us about the rosary and for that I am grateful.  My St. Andrew medal is worn around my neck, and I enjoy being an altar server at school and weekend Masses.  All of these things remind me that I can turn to Jesus and stay strong in my faith like Jesus did during the Resurrection.

In conclusion, I am influenced by Jesus’ Resurrection and know there is hope and life after death.  On Earth, we want to be like Jesus, serve God, and create a pathway to heaven.  I want to use the story of the Resurrection to show others how to be like Jesus and His disciples.  The Resurrection was truly a miracle.  I know and believe in miracles because of what Jesus did for all of us.

-Reid Andrew Stanley
Central Catholic Elementary

The first thing I think about when asked about Jesus’ Resurrection is summed up in 1 Corinthians 15:54 “When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

I think that this miracle gives us hope and gives us a higher purpose knowing that we will have eternal life with Him. I think there are times in life where some of us struggle to find meaning. The Resurrection of Jesus continues to be one of the things that fills our lives with joy. 

It is quite literally THE answer to all questions. Jesus has defeated death, and He has proven that He is the Son of God. In my mind it is the most important event to ever happen.

John 3:16, possibly the most popular verse in the Bible, also touches upon this sacrifice. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jesus gave us eternal life by rising from the dead.

Jesus’ Resurrection means all these things and more to me. It gives us hope, purpose and the promise of eternal life. His Resurrection reminds me that He is who He claimed to be, and it gives me unwavering confidence that He loves me.

-Chris Jackson
St. Joseph Co-Cathedral