Easter Message

This week all over the world, Christians will be celebrating the great Mystery of Christ’s Love for us. “Greater Love no man has that He lays down His Life for His friends.” This is the week Christ lived out the truth of these works. He took on Himself our sins and the sins of the world.
The Final act in the Drama of Jesus has come. The Son of Man must suffer many things. In His account of the Passion, Mark stresses the crude trial and shocking details of Jesus’ suffering. He has Jesus die in total isolation deserted by his disciples, taunted by His enemies, derided by those who hung with Him, and worst of all, abandoned by God.
The rending of the curtain of the Temple signifies that the privilege of Israel has ended; henceforth access to the divine presence is open to all. The reply to the question which has dominated Mark’s Gospel who then is this? Is found in the words of the centurion: “Truly, this man was the Son of God.”
At the end of the week we celebrate the greatest Day of all times. This is the fulfillment of our salvation. For Christians, Easter is the greatest of all feasts. This is the Day Jesus, our brother who broke the chains of death and rose in triumph from the grave. This is truly the day of the Lord. But It is our day too; for Jesus shares with us the fruits of His victory. Let us open our hearts to the joy of His great Day. Easter highlights the ministry of Jesus, which culminated in His death. But it did not end here; God raised Him to Life, allowing Him to be seen by certain witnesses, Peter among them. He goes on to declare that Jesus is One all the prophets spoke about the Messiah. All who believe in Him will have their sins forgiven.
The discovery of the empty tomb with the discarded linen cloth, in itself is not direct proof of the resurrection. Nevertheless, it is the first step towards establishing the truth that Jesus has conquered the bonds and prepared the disciples to encounter the risen Lord.
What does it mean for us Christian? Easter provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be baptized members of Christ Body, so the power of His resurrection enables us to live in the Joy and Freedom of the children of God. It is fitting therefore that on this great day we should renew our Baptismal Promises and commit ourselves once more to follow Christ, our risen Lord. At the same time we renew our belief in the great truth of our faith.
In this time of economical downturn, and in spite of differences of race, politics, creed, doctrine and cooler; human beings are equal in dignity and from one family under God.
A Happy Easter everybody
Father Loni Mafi
Administrator
St. Joseph’s Cathedral Parish, Avarua.

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