Easter Sunday

Father Daniel Schomaker

Guest

Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! This is a customary greeting of the Eastern Churches on Easter — hence why it is said in Greek. Instead of saying “Hi” on Easter Sunday, you say: “Christ is Risen!” and the response is “Truly he is Risen!”
We gather today to celebrate Jesus overcoming the tomb. Death was not in the original plan of creation. Death is the consequence of sin — specifically the sin of our first parents, in their desire (via the temptation of the devil) to make themselves God. What they didn’t realize is that they were already like God, for they had been made in his image and likeness. Their pride unfortunately got the better of them and had them cast out of paradise and put them at odds with the Almighty One.
Jesus entered into human history so as to bring about reconciliation between God and humanity. By his Passion (suffering and death) he took upon himself the consequence of our sin. And in his Resurrection from the dead, he restored humanity to its rightful place in creation. Paradise is once again opened for us!
On this Easter Sunday, let us give particular thanks and praise and adoration and glory to Our God, who never abandons us — ever!
Father Daniel Schomaker is pastor, Blessed Sacrament Parish, Ft. Mitchell and director, Office of Worship and Liturgy for the Diocese of Covington, Ky.