POST EASTER SUNDAY REFLECTION with FR. JOHN MGBEAHURUIKE, SMMM

POST EASTER SUNDAY REFLECTION with FR. JOHN MGBEAHURUIKE, SMMM

Theme: JOYFUL WITNESSING

Easter Sunday - Year A

 Acts 10:34a.37-4 - Ps.118 - Col.3:1-4 - Jn 20:1-9

 Today is Easter, a day we celebrate the RESURRECTION of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In the readings of today, the act of Witnessing is common. This witnessing is not only restorative, but transformative. It brings JOY of the Lord, that strengthens (Neh 8:10). This joy of the Lord, the joy of the Resurrected Christ, is rooted in faithful keeping to the commands of the Lord. No wonder Jesus said: "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." (Jn 15:10-11) To witness means to see, hear, or know by personal presence or perception. But Religiously speaking, to witness means to speak to people about your religious beliefs. Thus, a witness to the RESURRECTION of Jesus is that Christian and Believer in the risen Lord. The Christian manifests his/her beliefs in the public by his words and actions. Also, Christian Witness is one's personal life Testimony that reveals one's commitment to the risen Lord, to the Christian way of life, and to a personal desire to seek first the reign of God through one's daily lifestyle and choices. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene witnessed to the resurrected Christ by way of information. Peter witnessed by preaching as seen in the first reading. Coming to the second reading, we see St. Paul witnessing to the risen Lord by writing. The Easter witnessing is powerful and liberating as well as transformative. It sets us free from sins and sorrows and fears. The RESURRECTION of Jesus gives us a sure HOPE of ETERNAL LIFE at last. And this HOPE fills our hearts with the JOY from above. As we thank God with the Psalmist for the RESURRECTION of Jesus, who is now in Heaven, let us listen to the transformative words of St. Paul by setting my minds on the things that are above. May we also be witnesses to the risen Lord. May the Lord fill our hearts with the JOY OF EASTER as we listen to His life-giving words and place our trust in Him. God bless your family. Happy Easter!