This greeting is heard and spoken many times on this holy day. Some people will acclaim, “Christ is risen!”
There are two dimensions of this great feast for us as followers of the Risen Christ who live in this twenty-first century. The first is the reality of Jesus being raised from the dead. He is given the status of “Lord” as the Risen One. His humanity is completely transformed and glorified in this wonderful mystery. Our Easter faith boldly proclaims this reality. The second part of what we celebrate is indicated in the angel’s message to the women at the empty tomb. They, and we, are to go and tell others about this glorious truth. We, like the early disciples, are witnesses of what Christ has done for us and what he continues to do for as the Risen One.
Pope Francis reminds us that we are missionary disciples. Part of our identity as followers of Christ is that we are called and sent to proclaim the Good News by our words, our actions, and a virtuous way of life. How is this so for you?