Can you imagine? As the story has been told for more than 2,000 years, it is three days after the horrific crucifixion of their rabbi. The disciples of Jesus are hiding in fear that they might be next. The terror of Good Friday still is with them. The frightful image of their leader’s death on a Roman cross is fresh in their minds.
It’s all to change.
As the Gospels tell us, when women first went to the tomb where Jesus was interred, they encountered a figure who said, “He is not here; for he has risen.” Later, the Gospels say, they encountered the risen Christ, and at first did not know him. When they reported back to the huddled disciples, those men who had followed him did not believe the women’s account.
Christians know the rest of the story. Today, on this most holy of days on the Christian calendar, the followers of Jesus believe he is who he said he was back then. Today Christians celebrate the risen Christ. Today Christians worship together to remind themselves of the miracle that is at the heart of the faith. Without unequivocal belief in the risen Christ – the Son of God – there is no true Christianity.
It’s as simple as that. There can be no half-way belief, no doubt about the divinity of Jesus. He is who he says he is, or he’s not. For the Christian, the question is answered. For Christians, services and masses in churches today ring out with a timeless message of salvation and love that has triumphed over every onslaught.
From The Forum family to yours: Happy Easter.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper’s Editorial Board.
