How can we rise with Christ?

“We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song.” This were the words of St. Augustine long time ago, but is it still true today? Alleluia people are happy and joyful people because Christ has come to redeem us. But how can we be happy and joyful in this time of pandemic?

It seems that every day is a way to Calvary. Many people have lost their jobs and livelihood. Children who used to act as “Angels” in our traditional practice of “Sugat” are now restricted; our movements are regulated and we are encouraged to go out only for essential needs and strictly follow the health protocols and measures. We cannot do all what we want, unlike before. How can we be happy and joyful?

As an Easter people, let us not lament the loss of our Easter celebration ‘as usual’ but find the real meaning of Easter in the unusual circumstances of the pandemic. When the pandemic whispers that we will never have the life we dream of, we know that our God is a God with good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).

By the blood and sacrifice of Christ, every believer has been given new life. How can we rise and have new life with Christ? Instead of focusing on the loss of job and livelihood, we can turn our focus on allowing God’s plan to work as we find new ways to live. Instead of acquiring non-essential needs, we can shove whatever we have to those in need. Instead of complaining against the health protocols and measures, we can humbly follow and cooperate with them for peace and unity.

Furthermore, we can send good news like Bible verses or inspirational quotes and stories instead of nonsense posts and messages; we can speak positively about life instead of backbiting; we can count the blessings instead of the unheard prayers; we can go to the Church instead of going to casino or beer house; we can pray for the pandemic’s end instead of blaming each other. These are just few actions that can help us rise with Christ.

We can celebrate Easter with faith, hope, joy and love and sing our Alleluia’s by doing good works. The pandemic weakens our confidence in life, but Christ’s victory over death brings us joy and love. Thus, our faith finds its strength, our hope finds its light and our life finds its meaning. (Sem. Junel E. Bustamante)