Pope Francis said on Monday that the Resurrection of Jesus transforms the existence of the believers and calls upon Christians to witness the joy it brings.
During the Regina Coeli prayer, the pontiff said Jesus’ Resurrection “is not just wonderful news or the happy ending of a story, but something that changes our lives completely and forever…”
Referencing the Gospel of Saint Matthew, which tells of the women meeting Jesus at the empty tomb, Francis spoke of the profound joy this encounter sparked, compelling them to share their experience.
This joy, he noted, surpasses ordinary moments of happiness because it signifies life triumphing over death and hope prevailing over despair.
“The Resurrection changes our lives completely and forever!” Francis asserted, pointing out its role as a beacon of hope, transforming every day into a step towards eternity.
He reminded the faithful that this joy, granted at Baptism, makes the Risen Christ accessible to all. Echoing Jesus’s words, “Do not fear,” he urged everyone to hold onto the joy of Easter.
“If Jesus, the conqueror of sin, fear, and death, tells us not to fear, then let us not be afraid, let us not settle into a hopeless life, let us not give up the joy of Easter!” he said.
The Pope called on the faithful to seek Jesus in the Eucharist, forgiveness, prayer, and charity, emphasizing that Jesus’s joy is a perpetual source of strength.
He also stressed the importance of sharing this joy and proclaiming Christ, as it amplifies the joy within and around us.
“And let us not forget that the joy of Jesus grows in another way, as the women show us again: by proclaiming Him, bearing witness to Him. Because joy, when it is shared, grows,” he said.
