During the Resurrection Vigil on Holy Saturday, Patriarch Daniel of Romania spoke to thousands of believers on the Hill of the Patriarchate, emphasizing three significant truths related to the Resurrection of Christ.
Three important truths about the Lord’s Resurrection
“The first truth. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is not a return to earthly life before death, but a transition to another form of existence known as eternal heavenly life.”
“The second truth. The risen Jesus is completely free from all material and social constraints. Nothing can hinder Him – not space, time, wounds, or any created being.”
“The third truth. Despite ascending into heaven in glory, Jesus, who rose from the dead, is always present in the world, particularly in His Church. He is present through His Gospel, the Holy Mysteries, and His Saints.”
Transition to a new existence
Patriarch Daniel elaborated on the first aspect, explaining that after the resurrection, Christ entered a new form of existence unknown to humanity before Him: “Christ went through death, but did not remain in death; He conquered death from within.”
“The resurrection of Christ signifies the beginning of a new life, of eternal heavenly life, and the triumph of Christ’s crucified love over sin, hell, and death.”
Complete freedom
The Patriarch noted that after His resurrection, for 40 days until His ascension, Jesus appeared as He wished to His disciples, demonstrating that He is the risen Jesus, not just the crucified Jesus.
Reflecting on how Jesus could pass through locked doors and disappear, Patriarch Daniel emphasized, “The risen Lord Jesus Christ is so free that He cannot be confined, even by our gaze.”
“He revealed Himself to His disciples during the breaking of the bread and then vanished. The door did not creak when He left; the window was not opened. Where did He go? He entered the bread of the Holy Eucharist,” Patriarch Daniel explained.
“The risen Lord Jesus shows His disciples that He is no longer separate from them but dwells within them through the Holy Eucharist, becoming the essence of their lives.”
Ever-present
“Although He ascended into heaven, the risen Lord Jesus Christ is always present in His Church through the Grace of the Holy Spirit, manifested in the Holy Gospel, the Holy Mysteries, and His Saints who carry His Grace.”
“In particular, Christ is present in His Church through the Holy Eucharist, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life to Christians.”
“This glorious presence of Christ in His Church brings holy peace and indescribable joy, as the Apostle Peter teaches, providing a glimpse of the peace and joy of the heavenly kingdom.”
“May the Lord Christ help us to feel His humble and merciful presence and love throughout our lives. May the Holy Pascha bring the peace and joy of Christ to all your souls and homes. Christ is risen!”
Photography courtesy of Basilica.ro / Raluca-Emanuela Ene
Source: basilica.ro