ST. THOMAS VOICE

Introduction:

Easter is a Christian festival that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many of its modern-day symbols, such as rabbits and eggs, are based on old (ancient) customs. Everyone doesn't celebrate Easter at the same time. The Syrian Malankara Orthodox Church, for example, celebrates at a different time than the Greek Orthodox Church. Every year, Easter falls on a different day, and it is typically observed between late March and late April. The resurrection of Jesus is a magnificent event that shows the realisation of our Christian faith. In 1 Corinthians 15:17, Saint Paul wrote, "unless Christ rose from the dead, our faith is in vain." By sacrificing himself, Jesus Christ saved humanity from the shackles of sin. His eventual resurrection is a promise of a new life, showing us that our faith in him is alive and powerful. This event is also a powerful reminder that trusting in God will pull you up even from the depths of despair.

Timeline of Death and Resurrection of Jesus:

Good Friday is the most difficult day of Passion Week. Christ's journey turned treacherous and acutely painful in these final hours leading to his death. According to Scripture, Judas Iscariot, the disciple who had betrayed Jesus, was overcome with remorse and hanged himself early Friday morning. Meanwhile, before the third hour (9 a.m.), Jesus endured the shame of false accusations, condemnation, mockery, beatings, and abandonment. After multiple unlawful trials, he was sentenced to death by crucifixion, one of the most horrible and disgraceful methods of special punishment at the time. Before Christ was led away, soldiers spit on Him, tormented, mocked Him, and pierced him with a crown of thorns. Then Jesus carried his own cross to Calvary where, again, he was mocked and insulted as Roman soldiers nailed him to the wooden cross. Jesus spoke seven final statements from the cross. His first words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34, NIV). His last words were, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46, NIV). Then, about the ninth hour (3 p.m.), Jesus breathed his last breath and died. By 6 p.m. Friday evening, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus' body down from the cross and lay it in a tomb. Friday's events are recorded in Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.

On Resurrection Sunday or Easter, we reach the culmination of Holy Week. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event of the Christian faith. The very foundation of all Christian doctrine hinges on the truth of this account. Early Sunday morning, several women (Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Salome, and Mary, the mother of James) went to the tomb. They discovered that the large stone covering the entrance had been rolled away. An angel announced: "Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen." (Matthew 28:5-6, NLT) Jesus Christ made at least five appearances on the day of his resurrection. Mark's Gospel says the first person to see him was Mary Magdalene. Jesus also appeared to Peter, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and later that day to all the disciples except Thomas while they were gathered in a house for prayer. The eyewitness accounts in the Gospels provide what Christians believe to be undeniable evidence that the resurrection of Jesus Christ did indeed happen. Two millennia after his death, followers of Christ still flock to Jerusalem to see the empty tomb. Sunday's events are recorded in Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23.

Reference: Holy Week Timeline - Passion Week Days of Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy, he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead". 1 Peter 1:3

Every year we celebrate Easter to commemorate the resurrection of Christ. Easter signifies enlightenment, triumph over evil, and the salvation of faith. Often, we tend to forget the searing nature of death that Christ endured for us at the cross. As mentioned in Romans 5: 6-8, Christ died for us while we were sinners and proved his unconditional love for humankind. We need to know the relevance of the death and resurrection of Christ as it is central to our faith and existence. It is crucial for everyone to realise the depth of our sin and truly remember how loved we are by God. The grace and mercy that Jesus has bestowed upon us cannot be contained. It overflows into every aspect of our life.

The story of Easter also reminds us that even during the atrocious moments of life, one must never lose hope or faith as Jesus is alive for us. Darkness, pain, and suffering will surround us, and the only way to overcome it is by believing that there is life in Christ. This belief paves the way for changing our perspective on our problems. It makes us resilient and helps us to withstand adverse situations in our daily lives. Also, it is important to realise the glorious power that resurrection holds and what it means for the people who are perishing here. As stated in Philippians 3:10, to participate in Christ's resurrection, we must go through the suffering. The power of resurrection would indicate that even after our temporary life on earth, if we believe in him, the power of resurrection will work in our soul. This also states the belief that Jesus would come again in the twinkling of an eye; we would be raptured in glory. Our mortal bodies will become immortal, and we'd be with the Lord forever.

Easter should be noted for its significance and should be celebrated accordingly. As mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Christ died for us to save us from our sins so that we may have eternal life in him. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Christ and the renewal of humankind following His death. To conclude, one must view Easter as a significant event as it forms the basis of our identity as Christians.