My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as the joy of Easter Sunday continues to reverberate in our hearts, we gather today on this Easter Monday to reflect on the powerful messages of our readings that underscore the significance of the Resurrection of Jesus. In the Acts of the Apostles, we hear Peter's bold proclamation, reminding us of the transformative power of Christ's rising from the dead. He stands before the people, urging them to listen and witness to the truth of Jesus—the man who was crucified, but who God raised up, releasing Him from the throes of death.

In this proclamation, Peter emphasizes a profound truth: it was through the foreknowledge and divine plan of God that salvation was to be accomplished. Jesus came not only as a teacher and healer but as the very embodiment of hope and redemption. The wonders, signs, and mighty deeds he performed were not merely acts of compassion; they were divine affirmations of His identity. Yet, despite this revelation, humanity chose to reject Him—a truth Peter lays before his listeners with stark clarity.
As we reflect on this event, it beckons us to consider our own faith response to the Resurrection. Peter not only recounts the events of Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection; he invites us to recognize the significance of these events in the context of our own lives. Easter is not just an event we celebrate once a year—but a continual call to live in the light of the resurrection.
In Matthew’s Gospel, we witness the ultimate encounter with the risen Lord. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary experience a mix of fear and joy as they leave the tomb, and in their journey, they meet the risen Jesus who speaks words that resonate through the ages: “Do not be afraid.” Here lies one of the core messages of the Easter season: despite the trials we face, despite the fears that may grip our hearts, we are called to recognize and embrace the presence of Christ among us. His resurrection is the antithesis of despair, offering hope and the promise of new life.
Yet, we also see the contrast in the actions of those who, out of fear and denial, choose to suppress the truth of the resurrection. The guards, paid to perpetuate a lie, embody a sentiment that still exists today—the hesitancy to accept the transformative truth of Jesus. In our lives, we are faced with choices: to acknowledge the resurrection, which transforms our lives into a witness of hope, or to retreat into fear and denial remaining attached to our mundane ambitions and wealth. Jesus offers us a wealth not of this world, in allowing us to walk with him through life’s journey with a glowing faith in our hearts and recognition of God’s goodness.
As we carry the joy of Easter with us, how do we respond to the call to witness? In our own families, communities, and workplaces, do we embody the resurrection by showing kindness, love, and hope? Are we willing to go forth, as the angels instructed the women at the tomb, to share the good news, to invite others into this experience of joy and transformation?
Brothers and sisters, let us not forget that we are called to be agents of resurrection. Each day is an opportunity to proclaim through our words and actions the hope we have in Christ. May our hearts remain open to His presence, allowing the joy of His resurrection to flow through us, illuminating the darkness around us, and inviting others into His everlasting light.
Let us pray for the courage to embrace our Lord so as to shed our fears, and to live boldly as witnesses to the hope that is found in Him. May we, like Peter, proclaim the truth of His resurrection with conviction, so that all may come to know the path to life which can be found in Him alone. Amen.
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