Easter Sunday

"Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come see the place where he lay." (Mtt 28: 5-6) Fear turns to amazement and despair to joy! On this happiest of days we are heirs to both the promise and the mission given to the disciples of Jesus. Just as Jesus died for them he dies for us; as he rose for them he is risen for us. The only reason the disciples, who were all practising, monotheistic Jews, could proclaim Jesus to be the Son of God was because he did what only God could do. 

John starts his gospel speaking of the beginning: "In the beginning was the Word ..." (Jn 1: 1). That was when the spirit hovered over the waters (Gen 1: 2). Throughout his ministry Jesus worked seven signs to reveal the work of God who created the world in seven days. Jesus brings this creation to completion from the Cross:  "When Jesus had received the wine, he said, 'It is finished.' Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit" (Jn 19: 30) In the Resurrection, therefore, he shows forth an eighth sign and a new creation. It is the eight day - the Lord's Day. Again, the Spirit is poured out, this time upon the disciples who are commissioned to take this new reality, unconstrained by sin and death, to a world in desparate need of the Good News. "Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.' When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any they are retained'. " (Jn 20: 21-23) 

For the Jews it was only God could forgive sins: "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Mark 2: 7) Now, with the gift of the Spirit, the disciples can do what previously only God could do. In other words, we share already in the resurrection! The Church continues the mission of the risen Christ and we are the heirs to his risen power. Let us use this as we journey throughout Eastertide to brings God's forgiveness to those we meet: "So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (2 Cor 5: 20)