There is a popular song by Andra Day entitled “Rise Up”. I can’t help but think of it as we celebrate the Resurrection, the rising up of Jesus from the dead. The lyrics could easily be words from our Lord to us and why the resurrection is so important and necessary.
You're broken down and tired
Of living life on a merry-go-round
And you can't find the fighter
But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains
We gonna walk it out
And move mountains
And I'll rise up
I'll rise like the day
I'll rise up
I'll rise unafraid
I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again
And I'll rise up
High like the waves
I'll rise up
In spite of the ache
I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again
For you
For you
For you
For you
Christ’s resurrection from the dead is unique and different from the others like Lazarus who he raised from the dead because they would die again. Christ’s resurrection is essentially different. In His risen body he passes from the state of death to another life beyond time and space. His body is filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and shares the divine life in His glorious state. This event is the confirmation of all of Jesus’ works and teachings – it is the stamp proving it all true and He is God. This event opens for us the way to a new life. This new life is above all justification that reinstates us in the grace of God “so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.”
This event is the source and the principal of our future resurrection and how the souls in heaven will be reunited with our own glorious body. So in other words, it should be much more than bunnies and chocolate, and a day to celebrate and believe. So as we renew our promises of baptism, let us commit again to do the will of God – follow the teachings of Jesus and His Church and so follow His path to eternity. He rose up for you!
God bless,