Pascha

Following Jesus' crucifixion and burial for three days, some women proclaimed that the Lord appeared to them alive (Matthew 28:9-10) and instructed them to tell His disciples to meet Him in Galilee. This is a universal call to all of Jesus' brethren and disciples in every generation. Galilee not only reminds us of "the first love" but also opens the door to heralding the Good News to a world waiting in anticipation. Galilee is a depiction of the diverse world to which Jesus desires His life to be conveyed. The women noted that Jesus (or an angel on His behalf) specifically singled out Peter with His call. He told them, "Go, tell His disciples and Peter..." (Mark 16:7). He wants us all to know that, through His death and resurrection, He has wiped out “the handwriting of requirements that was against us” (Colossians 2:14). The world cannot be penetrated with other than this free love and free forgiveness. The power of sin and death has been defeated. This is the essence of our salvation. Jesus did not die on the Cross merely to sacrifice Himself to His Father for us, but to give us life, to give us His life. This is the testimony of the living in the world that Christ is risen!