EASTER is derived from the word Eostre, the pagan goddess of the season of the sun and rebirth during Ostarum, a pagan spring festival. It was a spring of the nomad Jews, who coated their tent poles with blood of animals to frighten hostile spirits.
Easter is a day of rejoicing because Christ conquered sin and death. There is bloodletting, too, from 5,475 blows—28,430 drops as revealed by Jesus himself to Saint Bridget of Sweden. It was not to frighten sinful men, but make them repent and acknowledge Jesus’ redemptive victimhood on the cross, to liberate men from the eternal flames of hell.
How then can Saint Paul not declare joyfully: “Death is swallowed up in victory. Where O death is your victory? Where O death is your sting?” (1 Corinthians 15: 54-55).
Hallelujah is our song
Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing. Christ, indeed, conquered sin and death, and those who believe in Him and die to sin will also rise and live with Him.
Men have a new life hidden with Christ in God. So the vows of baptism is renewed during Easter Sunday—a public declaration that we belong to Christ.
As Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Vatican II Constitution on the liturgy, declares: “Thus, by baptism men are plunged into the paschal mystery of Christ; they die with Him, are buried with Him, and rise with Him.”
Jesus, our living hope, declared: “I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25-26).
No one did and no one can ever promise men, a new joy, a new hope, a new life. So Saint John Paul II reminds: “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people, and Hallelujah is our song.”
Commissioning the 12
Jesus had many disciples, who believed and lived what He taught. But He had some closest followers and primary teachers of His gospels, the apostles.
With Peter’s leadership, the 11 disciples agreed to replace Judas. They proposed two, to choose from Joseph, called Barsabbas, also known as Justus and Matthias.
They prayed, “Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two You have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship.”
Among the ancient Jews casting lots is making God do the choice. The lot fell on Matthias. After His resurrection, Jesus told the apostles He had to return to His Father. In His pledge of oneness with them, He said, “I will ask the Father and He will give you another advocate to be with you always” (John 14:16). “He will teach you everything and remind you of all I told you” (John 14-26).
“The gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the world as a witness to all nations” (Matthew 24:14). “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved: whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).
Jesus summoned the 12 apostles, sent them out in pairs and gave them authority to preach, heal and expel unclean spirits.
In absolute dependence on God as a provider for their needs, they were not allowed to carry food and money, or clothes except the sandals and the clothes they wear. Once in a house, they were to stay there until they leave to avoid dishonoring the host or be accused of desiring for a more comfortable place.
They were, likewise, instructed to shake the dust off their feet, to indicate their call for repentance was not heeded (Mark 6:7-13).
“They went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the word through accompanying signs” (Mark 6:20).
Santiago is a former regional director of the Department of Education National Capital Region. She is currently a faculty member of Mater Redemptoris Collegium in Calauan, Laguna, and of Mater Redemptoris College in San Jose City, Nueva Ecija.