The deepest aspiration of humankind can be summed up in these three questions, namely, “Why am I here? Where did I come from and where am I going? Why do humans seek answers to these questions? Were these questions always present with humans? Certainly not! In the state of grace, men dwelled in peace and harmony as they understood their nature and destiny, but fallen human nature is confused. In his confusion, he is confronted with doubt and uncertainties. Who could help men clear their doubt and help overcome all uncertainties? The help is certainly not from humans, because all men are subject to this aspiration. The only one who can help humankind find an answer is God Almighty, for He is the Alpha and Omega. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the answer to all our queries and the fulfilment of our deepest quest.
The one who was crucified is risen… He is risen indeed. The divine plan of God to redeem humankind is finally unfolded in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Hence, the natural response to the divine plan of God is a song of jubilation, “Alleluia.” If not for the Risen Lord, who would take away our sins? Who would answer our queries? Nobody else, absolutely no one else! The crucified Lord rose again from the dead for our justification and glorification. Therefore, mankind should never cease to cry out with a shout of joy the song of triumph, “We are Easter people, and Alleluia is our song.” The Lord has done marvellous things before our eyes, and we give thanks and praise to God.
The cry of Jesus on the cross “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” was on behalf of every person that has ever walked on the face of the earth and those who will come, until the end of times. It is the anthropological cry. The answer to the united cry of Jesus on the cross was the resurrection. Hence, resurrection is the answer to the deepest cry of the rational soul, “Why am I here? Where did I come from? And where am I going? ” In fact, Jesus had made an audacious claim while he was still walking among men: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” At the death of Lazarus, Jesus comforted Martha with a similar assertion: “I am the resurrection and the life.” “Whoever believes in me shall never die.” It all came to pass at his resurrection.
Great thinkers of the classical age had deciphered that immaterial substance does not corrupt. Man is endowed with an immaterial, rational soul. The thoughts of classic philosophers concur with the creation account in the book of Genesis: “God created man in his own image and likeness.” Man was always destined to be with God forever. Nothing else but violation of God’s commandments clouded man’s mind, which led him in darkness of misunderstanding into further darkness. However, the merciful God did not desire that man grope in the darkness of sin and damnation, but He reached out to him with love, mercy, and forgiveness. And what a sacrifice God offered on our behalf!
Why does the foolish man continue to cry at the tomb? Look at modern society; it continues to build false tombs without an iota of hope for resurrected life. Man is endlessly drifting away from his purpose and goal. Subsequently, a great darkness has befallen humankind ever since man allowed abortion to be part of his ethos. Every life is precious and destined for eternal existence. How did man miss the meaning of life when God became one like us to provide the meaning of existence and to give us the fullness of life? There is no excuse for the irrationality of man. When philosophers interpreted the meaning of existence, God freely offered wisdom to all in His Son, Jesus, who died and rose again.
Needless to say, with fear and doubt, men write peace treaties, “Give peace a chance,” but they have never worked and will never work. The Risen Lord offers peace: “Peace be with you.” Man cannot offer peace, for he does not possess it. Peace is purely the gift of God. Having put everything in its proper place, Jesus offers peace to humankind. Through his suffering, passion, death, and resurrection, Jesus reconciled man with God, bringing peace to all men of good will. Those with good will and faith can perceive that God answered all our queries and fulfilled all our desires and aspirations. Only in God are we at peace; therefore, allow the Risen Lord to enter your life. He is Risen… He is risen indeed!
