On this special day, we reflect on the words: “Until then they had not understood the scriptures”. We immerse ourselves in the experience of Magdalene, John and Peter as they discover the open tomb and realize that the Lord is not among the dead, but that he lives.
On many occasions we may encounter these situations, our first moments of discipleship, where we struggle to understand the signs of God. But like these disciples, we can discover that suffering, persecution, lies, pain and betrayal were but painful steps towards a full life. That is the promise of Jesus.
In this context we are confronted with the question: how can we live Easter in a world where the signs of death multiply? In this we can heed the words of Pope Francis, who often gives us advice on how to fight against the throwaway culture, in order to live Easter joy in our own flesh:
“Often a caress given from the heart does more good than a few coins. In societies often contaminated by the culture of indifference and the throwaway culture, as believers we are called to go against the tide with the culture of tenderness, that is, to care for others as God has cared for me, for us, for you, for each one of us”.
Easter calls us to a greater commitment to life, to overcome indifference to the challenges presented by the culture of death. The answer lies in hospitality, an open door to life, respect, tolerance and unconditional welcome.
May this celebration inspire us to be agents of hope and life in our world!
