Seeking Resurrection
Easter signifies the triumph of Christ’s Resurrection over suffering and evil, an observance that should be full of joy and hope. But, alas, Easter 2025 dawns amid grave concerns — what Pope Francis called “the dark moments of our existence” seem to abound. More deaths in wanton mass shootings; government agents snatching students from the street with no due process; looming economic crises; wars abroad that are destroying Ukraine and Gaza shattering lives and entire societies; authoritarian threats to crush freedom of speech, due process, civil and human rights. Even colorful Easter eggs are in short supply in this dystopian season.
Easter 2025 comes just in time to remind all of us of the promise inherent in the Resurrection, but also, the pain and suffering endured along the way. Our faith demands that we not waste time lamenting the present, but rather, prepare for the rising that surely will come if we remain steadfast in living by our moral values rooted in the first principle of social justice which is respect for and defense of human life and dignity. We must find the strength and inspiration to confront the darkness of the political movement that is oppressing so many lives, that seems to revel in cruel and inhumane actions particularly against persons living on the margins. Those of us who have the gift of education and the power of expression should raise our voices even more in defense of those who have no voice, who are afraid and slipping back into the shadows in desperate efforts to escape persecution.
On this Easter, let us remember that Jesus willingly and knowingly confronted his persecutors, suffered grievously as a result, but ultimately triumphed. Let this Easter moment renew our hope in the future and give us the strength to get there. Let us live as people of the Resurrection!
