Christus surrexit! Alleluia!

Surrexit vere! Alleluia!

Happy Easter to all. We wrapped up our first Triduum experience at our new parish here in Sugar Land, climaxing in a fantastic Easter Vigil liturgy last night and equally dignified Easter morning mass. Our parish's new pipe organ is installed and is now being used for the glory of God! There should be some photos of the newly renovated sanctuary with the new and recently dedicated altar soon.

That aside, the mystery of the Resurrection of Christ is absolutely essential to our testimony of the Christian faith. Remember what St. Paul said to the Corinthians (1 Cor 15:14,17,20):

If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain... If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins... But, in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead.

The Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (126) refers to the Resurrection of Christ as the crowning truth of our faith in Christ, for, as our pastor was sure to point out, this resurrection was not a mere bodily resuscitation. The Compendium goes on to discuss (129, 131):

The Resurrection of Christ was not a return to earthly life. His risen body is that which was crucified and bears the marks of his passion. However it also participates in the divine life, with the characteristics of a glorified body. Because of this the risen Jesus was utterly free to appear to his disciples how and where he wished and under various aspects.

The Resurrection is the climax of the Incarnation. It confirms the divinity of Christ and all the things which he did and taught. It fulfills all the divine promises made for us. Furthermore the risen Christ, the conqueror of sin and death, is the principle of our justification and our Resurrection. It procures for us now the grace of filial adoption which is a real share in the life of the only begotten Son. At the end of time, he will raise up our bodies.

Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia!