Fruits of Easter in Us

The Fruits of Easter in Us

One of the most remarkable aspects of Jesus’ Resurrection appearances is that each time the Lord manifests Himself to an individual, He commissions them to disseminate the news and fearlessly spread the Gospel. He transforms ordinary individuals into extraordinary missionaries of the newfound Easter truth of His Resurrection.

When in Gospel of St. Matthew (28:8-15) the women embraced Jesus, He instructs them to convey the news to His brothers, the Apostles hiding in the Upper Room, informing them that they should proceed to Galilee to meet Him.

Through these appearances, Jesus is transforming His community, which had been fractured and dispersed by His Passion, into a new community centered around His Resurrection with a clear purpose and a mission.

Our liturgical experience of the Paschal mystery, encompassing Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter, should ideally equip and urge us to become missionaries of the Easter truth as well.

• If we have experienced a profound connection with Christ during this Easter season, we should share that experience with others.
• If we have received forgiveness and experienced a faith revival, we should share those blessings with others.
• If we have deepened our faith and commitment to the Church and its mission, we should share those convictions with others.
• If we have had a true personal encounter with the Lord, we should not only depart from our self-concern tendencies but radiate Christ’s inner peace in us to others conveying this way the source of our peace, the Risen Lord.

Jesus’ Resurrection appearances were not solely intended to provide comfort, assurance, or persuasion to individual souls, the Apostles. Instead, they served as catalysts for a mission and a vocation towards others. These appearances of the living Christ were bestowed upon the Apostles but directed towards the world as a testimony.

The closeness of the Risen Christ to us that we experience as Christians is not confined to ourselves but must immediate extend to others as well beginning in our own family, professional and social circles…

The words of the Risen Lord to the women must resonate with us, when He tells them: