[AGS] Easter Celebration Week

The ancient greeting for Easter goes like this in Greek: one says "Christos anesti" and the response is "Alithos anesti!" Translated to English, one greets with "Christ is risen!" and the response is "He is truly risen!" Our Lord, who loved us to the end, did not let death end his love. He rose again, proving that his power and love are stronger than sin and death. 

The pictures show the appearances of the risen Lord, from left to right, Jesus descending to the place of the dead; the three Marys finding the empty tomb, Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene; the Lord rising from the tomb; Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus; 6 Jesus appears to his disciples, breathing upon them the Holy Spirit, giving them the power to forgive, and proving to St Thomas that he is alive; and 7 Jesus appearing on the shore of Lake Tiberias. 

Easter is the highest point of the liturgical year. The Easter Triduum starting with Holy Thursday evening to Easter Sunday, is the most important celebration in the entire liturgical year. The renewal of baptismal promises on Easter Vigil and in all Masses on Easter Sunday is the end goal of all the fasting, sacrifices, prayer, and loving actions we did during Lent. The holy water and lighted candles during these celebrations point us back to the most important moment in our lives - our baptism, when God claimed us as his children. The joy of the resurrection flows over to the next fifty days of the Easter Season, which ends on Pentecost Sunday. We keep singing Alleluia and songs about the Lord's resurrection, different from the songs we sing during Ordinary Time and other seasons of the year. Near the altar, a tall candle called the Paschal Candle or Easter Candle brightens up churches with the light of the Risen Lord. Flowers adorn our churches, and there is a festive atmosphere throughout the season. 

Saint Paul says, "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Corinthians 15:14). Saint John Paul II, expressing Saint Augustine of Hippo in his own words, said, "We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!" May we always proclaim with our words, actions, and way of life that the Lord is alive and loves us with the greatest love, a love stronger than death, a love that does not end. 

Christos anesti! Christ is risen!

Write-up and banner design by Mr. John Jeffrey T.  Velasco