I am grateful to God for making me a witness of the Resurrection. I don’t know about you. Dear friends in Christ, Saint Peter preached about the crucified Christ. Everywhere he went, he did good, and even today, Christ continues to do good through His Church.
Dear friends, Jesus was killed because of His goodness. Yet, He rose from the dead. When Pontius Pilate asked what crime He had committed, they answered that He called Himself the Christ. He was crucified for doing good and for being a good man. Yet He was crucified, died, and after three days, He rose again.
From the Gospel, the first witness of the resurrection was Mary Magdalene, who went and told the apostles. The disciples ran to the tomb. But Peter went inside; he saw and believed.
We also remember Thomas the Apostle, who doubted. When Jesus showed him His wounds, he declared, “My Lord and my God.” And Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
Even before His Passion, when Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” Peter responded, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus blessed him, saying, “Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” That is why Peter is regarded as the first Pope, and all Popes succeed him.
Dear friends in Christ, as we prepare to celebrate Easter, we are among the most fortunate people, we are witnesses of the resurrection. Though we did not see Him physically, we are even more blessed than Thomas because we believe. We are called to be living witnesses of the risen Christ. The empty tomb is a sign, it confirms that Christ is risen. But our lives must also confirm it.
Our lifestyle has great influence, in our workplaces, in our homes, and in our daily encounters. Our lives must reflect the risen Christ in all that we do. People should see Christ living in us. The Holy Mother Church challenges us today: Are we ready to keep our Lenten promises? Are we ready to embrace a new life? After forty days of fasting and prayer, do we truly want to change, or remain the same?
In a world threatened by apathy and evil, can we bear true witness to the Resurrection? The truth is, we can no longer live for ourselves. As Paul the Apostle wrote to the Colossians, we must seek the things that are above. We must live in such a way that those who do not know Christ may come to believe in Him through us, that He is truly risen.
Let us pray for renewal, that our lives may give powerful and convincing testimony to the resurrection. May the peace, joy, and love of the risen Christ fill your hearts. May His light shine upon you wherever you go.
Peace be with you. Amen