TODAY with the rich and the poor and with people of all faiths and castes Christian community shares the joy of a Easter having a fraternal bond and communion which is being expressed through sharing of delicious food. However, these external characteristics have their significance if we interiorize the event through reflection and implement its teaching in our practical life.

Theological Meaning of Christ's Resurrection

The Empty Tomb: The meaning directly goes to the historical fact of Christ's resurrection from the dead. The gospel narrative makes the reference of Empty Tomb. "It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved (Gospel of St John 20:1-8). Having appeared two angels who sit on the stone question the Christ-seeking curious devoted woman: Why look for the living among the dead. He is risen. The gospel narrative continues saying that Mary

Magdalene told her experience to Peter and John who then ran to the tomb and saw. Both Peter and John entered right into the tomb; they saw and believed. The truth on which we reflect on is that Jesus died on the Cross bringing glory and exultation and on the third day his resurrection from the dead caused by the power of the heavenly Father made him exulted and glorified. Now he sits at the right hand of the Father interceding continually to the father for mankind. He thus becomes the risen Lord who is now present among us through our faith and liturgy.

To fulfil the plan of Salvation. Christ's death was necessary for the glorification as it brought back man's salvation and opened the way to eternal life. His death brought death of and victory over sin. With his glorified state the whole humanity is brought back to the state of glory which was lost by the sin of Adam.

He is Risen from the Dead: After the prayer of Consecration during the Eucharist Liturgy (Holy Mass) the wor-r shipping community professes its fundamental Christian faith singing: Keep tn mind that Je-

sus Christ has died for us; he is risen from the dead; he is Lord for ever. This profession of faith clearly emphasises the close connection between the redemptive death of Jesus on the cross and his glorious resurrection. Through his death Christ manifested his greatest love for mankind. Through his death Christ obtained a tremendous power to place the universal salvation for mankind of all ages. Thus his death becomes the source and origin of universal salvation. And his glorious resurrection made him most glorified and exulted. Without his resurrection His Cross and death would have no significance in the economy of Salvation.

Liturgical Celebration of Easter

Holy Week Culminates Easter: the week when the paschal mystery is celebrated is called Holy Week. The Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday (this year it was on March 28) remembering the solemn entrance of Jesus to Jerusalem. On Palm Sunday the Christian faithful takes palm branches in hand and keeping the presiding priest right in front of the procession enters the Church

singing "Blessed be the Lord who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. On Holy Thursday (this year April 1) we remember the institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Priesthood. In the evening liturgy we see the presiding priest washes the feet of 12 people as a sign of loving service remembering exactly what Jesus did to his deciples (efr John's gospel 13:1-26); on Good Friday (April 2) we commemorate the Passion and Death of Jesus. On Easter Vigil (Saturday, April 3) our attention is on God's plan of Salvation for mankind and its fulfilment through Jesus Christ in his resurrection. And on Easter Sunday we Joyously celebrate Christ's victory over death: the Resurrection of Jesus. We sing: The Lord is risen. Alleluia!

Easter Vigil and Easter: In fact, the liturgical service culminating Easter Sunday begins with the long but beautiful Easter Vigil to be held according to the tradition around 11 O'clock at night of Holy Saturday. Among significant parts of this liturgy the Preface, in Latin called the Exultet. carries the central theme: The salvation of mankind through the death and resurrection of Christ. The readings from the Bible highlight the creation story and the Exudus i. e., story of liberation of the people of Israel. The liturgy of the word concludes with singing of Glrou to God in the Highest which liturgically

announces the Resurrection of Christ. The faithful then renew their baptismal promises spiritually clothing themselves with the garment of new Ifie of the risen Lord. They now sing Al-leluiah. And in the morning of Easter Sunday there is in the Church the Eucharistic Celebration of the great solemnity of Christ' glorious resurrection attended by a big community. It is done with much festivity.

From Celebration to Life

To make a reality present we celebrate. THe celebration carries vibrantly the authenticity of the even. But the danger be there when celebration remains limited to cultic level only. An authentic celebration must reach to the actual life of a human person. The celebration must play the role of deepening his faith as well as must bring meaningful renewal of his life.

We are celebrating Christ's resurrection, one of the greatest feasts of the Christian community. If Christ's resurrection is the cause of man's glorification, then, a person's life must turn to that glorified or purified state. Christ's resurrection must make such an impact in • his personal life that he is a person freed from the bondage of all sins. This is true also for a family, for a society, for a country: this is true universally. The call of Easter is a call to embrace Christ's values in our life. Realising these values we die to

our sinful nature and with his resurrection we rise to a profound new life. Then only we can sing with the Psalmist with the tone of praise to the risen Lord: "The stone which the builders rejected has become the Comer Stone." This is the Day which the lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice." (Psalm 118:22-24). When the person has been renewed by the fruit of Christ's resurrection he becomes a man of peace and reconciliation, love and charity: and man guided by the Easter Grace.

Easter Blessing and Easter Wish

Often we are caught up by our manifold sins and many other shortcomings. If we really believe that Christ has died and is risen "for me" we too then will obtain victory over sins. Our society, our country need to be purified and continually renewed by new religious values. This is a challenge, yet possible. May the grace and blessing of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ be in each one of us. in our families. in our country. To all our friends. Muslim. Hindu. Bud-dhiust. Christian: May this greeting Happy Easter bring a true renewal in our personal and social life and make an authentic fraternal bond of love and friendship among us all.

Alleluia! Today is Happy Easter!!..