Easter: a time for resurrection

The Rev. Nicholas Zientarski

For Christians, Easter is the most important day of the year. It is the day when they celebrate the day of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

A sinless, innocent man who died a horrible death, Jesus rose from the dead in his human body and appeared to many of his disciples 2,000 years ago, offering tremendous hope and a light that dispels the darkness of death. His resurrection is a message to all that life does not end with death and that God knows about the sufferings of the human race.

Our world is in sore need of a resurrection right now. We are all too familiar with the way the coronavirus has affected the world, especially here in the New York area, where there are so many cases. We need a resurrection of our whole society — a resurrection of health and vitality for our citizens. We need a resurrection of our economy, with the restoration of jobs and cash flows. We need a resurrection of sports, entertainment, restaurant life, and the simple enjoyments we use to have. We need a resurrection of peace, trust, safety, and above all, normalcy.

While we wait for that glorious day when all these things will be restored, other “resurrections” are already happening in our midst. Scientists have already noted the resurrection of air quality and ocean waters as a result of the decrease in pollution — with few vehicles in use around the globe, the planet is healing. Families are together on a regular basis, unheard of in recent years due to the heavy schedules of normal life. And people have more time to think, meditate, and pray about what is really important in life, a resurrection of the “purpose of humanity” and not taking the gift of human life for granted.

As we await the resurrection of our world, what lessons might we learn from the life of Christ that may help us to be people who will aid in the efforts of restoration?

The value of human life.

Jesus was always focused on the dignity of human beings. He restored those who were ill and forgave the sins of many so that they could be free to live and love again. As a model for every human being, he showed us the virtues of love, gentleness, fidelity, respect, compassion, and truthfulness. The life of every human being was important to him. When our world rises again, would I be able to be such a person for the people of our world today?

Becoming builders of community.

In his ministry, Jesus was a man who deeply desired the unity of the human race. In a prayer to his heavenly father he said, “I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (John 17:20-21). Division and separation were not part of God’s plan for the world. When our world is restored after this crisis has passed, will I be a person of communion, listening to the other, seeking the good of the other, reaching out to the other in compassion?

Always seeking the will of God in our lives.

In the Gospels, Jesus was singularly focused on doing the will of his heavenly father. This is what led him to the cross. In following the plan of the father, salvation was accomplished and something good happened for the world: the resurrection. What about us? No matter what our faith, what is the plan and purpose of my life every day? And do I follow the plan God has for me?

Embracing sacrifice as the path to love and success in life.

For Christians, the sacrifice of Christ on the cross was a tremendous sign of love that led to the “success” of the resurrection. Love is true when sacrifice is present in a relationship. Consider the sacrifices of spouses, parents, police and firefighters, nurses and doctors, soldiers and workers—they all bear fruits for the good of society and the world. Can I embrace sacrifices in my life that will lead to good things for this world?

Easter will be very different for Christians this year, without the grand liturgies that normally take place. We await a resurrection of our world, though in some sense other resurrections are already underway. But the personal challenge remains for every one of us: What will we learn from this, as we seek to be people who will be part of the resurrection of our world in the near future?                         

The Rev. Nicholas Zientarski is the spirtual leader of St. Christopher’s Church.