The joy of Easter is not the fleeting happiness of good fortune. It is the deep, unshakeable beatitude that comes from knowing that death has been defeated, that sin has been forgiven, that the Father's love is eternal and unconditional.
This joy does not depend on circumstances. The early Christians experienced it in the arena, facing lions. The martyrs sang hymns as they were led to execution. The saints found it in the darkest nights of the soul. Because Easter joy is not about what happens to us — it is about what has happened for us.
Christ is risen! And because He is risen, everything changes. Our failures are not final. Our deaths are not permanent. Our sins are not unforgivable. The last word of human history is not tragedy but triumph, not a dirge but a hallelujah.
Rejoice, then, people of God! Not because life is easy, but because life is eternal. Not because there is no suffering, but because suffering has been redeemed. Alleluia! Christ is risen!
