Rejoice in the new life God has given through the Risen Lord!
During Lent, we have been invited to recognize, face, and act against the many temptations that prompt us human beings to be and act in a less-than-human way. At the heart of every temptation is an urge to turn to and become preoccupied with the self. By so doing, the one acting inevitably neglects, acts against, or harms the ‘other’: the environment, one’s neighbour and, ultimately, God. This at times irresistible self-centering urge prevents human beings from giving the ‘other’ its justice, which is the minimum measure of love.
In his suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ gave us the solution that can enable everyone to overcome this weakness or sinfulness. He showed us that, even in the greatest of difficulties, it is possible to overcome the temptation of turning to the ‘self.’ He demonstrated that, even in the seemingly most hopeless situations, one does not have to act like a drowning person, capable of harming even those wanting to help. Indeed, he showed us that, in the act of dying to one’s self-centredness and selfishness, human beings will arise as he did to a new life: a life lived for the ‘other’.
This, however, might appear like a tall order, and understandably so. Still, by recalling Christ’s example, and God’s many other gifts and signs of love for us, with gratitude in our hearts, it is not only possible but crucial that we give it our very best effort. Indeed, we are all destined to live the mystery of this new life, because this is the form of life that makes us fully human and allows us to participate in the divine life at the same time.
This is the reason that we can say that Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection is the essence of the Christian message of salvation. Indeed, all are invited to live this new life, which is the only cure for the many troubles of our wounded world.
In this Easter season, let us contemplate and practice this mystery of dying to oneself and rising to a new life, lived for the ‘other’.