​The echoes of "He is risen!" still resonate in our hearts, a powerful reminder of the cornerstone of our faith. But being a Christian isn't just about remembering a historical event; it's about embodying the reality of that event in our daily lives. We are, fundamentally, "Easter People" – a people whose very identity is shaped by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This truth, illuminated by scriptures like Acts 5:27-32, John 10:22-30, John 14:23-29, Matthew 28:1-10, and others, calls us to keep our focus firmly on God, allowing the joy of following Jesus to permeate every facet of our existence rather than being swayed by the fleeting concerns of the world.
The early apostles, as recounted in Acts 5:27-32, provide a powerful example of what it means to live as "Easter People." Dragged before the Sanhedrin and commanded to cease proclaiming the name of Jesus, their response was resolute: "We must obey God rather than any human authority." Their unwavering conviction stemmed directly from their encounter with the resurrected Lord. They were eyewitnesses to the ultimate victory over death, a reality that dwarfed any earthly threat. Their joy wasn't rooted in worldly approval or safety but in the profound truth they had witnessed and the divine mandate they had received. Their lives were forever reoriented by the empty tomb.
Jesus himself, in John 10:22-30, paints a beautiful picture of our relationship with him as the risen Shepherd. "My sheep hear my voice," he declares, "and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand." As "Easter People," we are those sheep who recognize the voice of our Shepherd, a voice that speaks of life beyond death, hope beyond despair, and love that conquers all. The world may offer enticing but ultimately hollow promises, yet our proper nourishment and security are found in following the risen Christ. We experience the joy of belonging to him, knowing his voice, and trusting in his unfailing care.
In the poignant verses of John 14:23-29, Jesus prepares his disciples for his ascension, promising the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, who will guide and comfort them. He leaves them with a peace transcending earthly understanding: "Peace I leave with you; my Peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." As "Easter People," we are recipients of this very Peace. In a world often characterized by anxiety and uncertainty, we possess an inner stillness rooted in the knowledge of Christ's victory and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit. Our focus shifts from the turbulent waves of worldly concerns to the anchor of God's unwavering love, allowing a deep and abiding joy to flourish within us.  
The very dawn of our "Easter People" identity broke on that first Easter morning, as described in Matthew 28:1-10. The women who approached the tomb were met not with sorrowful finality, but with the astounding news: "He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said." Their initial fear transformed into "great joy" as they encountered the risen Jesus himself. This joy, born from the impossible becoming reality, is the very essence of our faith. It is a joy that perseveres even amidst trials, knowing that death has lost its sting and the future is secure in Christ. As "Easter People," we carry this infectious joy, a living testament to the transformative power of the resurrection that continually draws our hearts and minds toward the living God.
Therefore, embracing our identity as "Easter People" is not a passive remembrance but an active way of living. It means allowing the joy and hope of the resurrection to shape our perspectives, guide our actions, and fuel our interactions. It requires a conscious effort to fix our eyes not on the world's fleeting shadows but on the risen Christ's eternal brilliance. In this unwavering focus on him, the victor over death, we discover a profound, enduring, and truly life-altering joy. Let us live each day in the radiant light of Easter, embodying the joy and hope that define us as God's "Easter People."

The liturgical season of Lent culminates in Holy Week, a period of profound spiritual reflection and commemoration for Christians worldwide. This pivotal week, encompassing Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, transcends mere tradition, offering a profound engagement with the foundational tenets of Christian faith and practice.
 
Maundy Thursday marks the institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper. This solemn occasion underscores the New Covenant established by Jesus Christ, where believers partake in the symbolic representation of His body and blood. Beyond the sacramental significance, Maundy Thursday emphasizes the imperative of humble service, exemplified by Christ's washing of the disciples' feet. This act serves as a powerful paradigm for Christian leadership, advocating for selfless devotion and prioritizing the needs of others within the community of faith. The observance of Maundy Thursday invites believers to reflect on the dual mandates of communion with God and compassionate service to humanity.
 
The gravity of Holy Week intensifies with Good Friday, a day dedicated to remembering the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While the designation "good" may appear paradoxical in light of the profound suffering endured, it signifies the ultimate act of redemptive love. Good Friday necessitates a somber contemplation of the consequences of sin and the immense sacrifice of Christ to reconcile humanity with God. This day of reflection underscores the theological significance of the cross as the instrument of atonement, a pivotal doctrine in Christian theology. The observance of Good Friday calls for a profound acknowledgment of this sacrifice and its enduring implications for the believer's relationship with the divine.
 
The culmination of Holy Week arrives with the triumphant celebration of Easter Sunday. This pivotal day marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, the cornerstone of Christian belief and the ultimate victory over sin and death. The empty tomb signifies the validation of Christ's divinity and the promise of eternal life for those who believe. Easter Sunday transcends a mere historical commemoration; it represents a living reality that imbues Christian life with enduring hope and purpose. The resurrection is the foundational assurance that death does not hold ultimate dominion and that new life and spiritual renewal are perpetually attainable. The joyous observance of Easter Sunday affirms the transformative power of Christ's victory and its ongoing relevance in the lives of believers, fostering a spirit of hope and anticipation for the future.
 
In conclusion, Holy Week is not merely a sequence of religious observances but a deeply significant period that invites Christians to engage with the core narratives of their faith. Through the commemoration of the Last Supper and the mandate for service on Maundy Thursday, the solemn reflection on Christ's sacrifice on Good Friday, and the exultant celebration of the Resurrection on Easter Sunday, believers are afforded a profound opportunity for spiritual growth and a renewed understanding of the foundational tenets of Christian life. Intentional engagement with these sacred days fosters a deeper connection with the person and work of Jesus Christ, shaping a faith characterized by humility, gratitude, and unwavering hope.

Palm Sunday, the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, marks the beginning of Holy Week, a pivotal period in the Christian calendar. It's a day filled with paradoxical imagery: a king riding a donkey, a symbol of peace amidst shouts of praise and impending betrayal. Luke 19:28-40 paints a vivid picture of this momentous occasion, offering us profound insights into the nature of Jesus's kingship and the heart of our faith.
 
The narrative begins with Jesus deliberately orchestrating his entry. He sends his disciples to retrieve a colt, a young donkey that had never been ridden. This act, far from being a mere convenience, fulfills a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, where the coming King is described as "humble, riding on a donkey." This deliberate fulfillment highlights Jesus's identity as the Messiah, the promised King. The disciples' simple response to the owners' inquiry, "The Lord needs it," reveals a profound understanding of Jesus's authority. They recognized his divine claim, even in the face of potential opposition. Bringing the colt and laying their garments upon it signifies their submission and recognition of Jesus as their King. As Jesus rode towards Jerusalem, the crowds spread their garments on the road, a gesture of royal honor. They hailed him with shouts of "Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace on heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!" This spontaneous outpouring of praise reflects the people's hope for a political messiah, a liberator who would free them from Roman oppression. They had witnessed Jesus's miracles and believed he was the one to restore Israel's glory. However, the Pharisees, representatives of the religious establishment, were deeply troubled by this adoration. They demanded that Jesus rebuke his followers, fearing the implications of such widespread acclaim. Jesus's response, "If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!" reveals the inevitability of God's glory being revealed. Even inanimate objects would proclaim the truth if humans remained silent. This declaration emphasizes the divine nature of the moment and the undeniable reality of Jesus's identity.
 
Palm Sunday is not just a historical event; it's a profound theological statement. It reveals the paradoxical nature of Jesus's kingship. He entered Jerusalem not as a conquering warrior on a warhorse but as a humble servant on a donkey. His kingdom was not of this world but a spiritual realm of love, grace, and redemption. The crowds' initial understanding of Jesus as a political savior was incomplete. They failed to grasp the true nature of his mission: to offer salvation from sin and eternal life through his sacrifice. This misunderstanding foreshadows the tragic events of Holy Week, where the same crowds who hailed him as King would later cry out for his crucifixion. Palm Sunday is a powerful reminder that true greatness lies in humility and service. It challenges us to examine our understanding of kingship and embrace the servant-hearted leadership exemplified by Jesus. It calls us to recognize his authority in our lives and to surrender to his will.
 
Furthermore, Palm Sunday invites us to reflect on our own expressions of worship. Do we offer genuine praise or remain silent in the face of God's glory? Do we recognize the divine in the humble, or are we swayed by worldly power and prestige? In essence, Palm Sunday is a celebration of Jesus's humble entry, a moment that encapsulates the heart of the gospel. It's a reminder that true kingship is found in service, that true glory is revealed in humility, and the ultimate victory is won through sacrifice. As we journey through Holy Week, let us remember the lessons of Palm Sunday and embrace the humble King who came to save us all.

The concept of anointing in the Christian faith is a powerful symbol of divine selection and empowerment. It's a moment, or a series of moments, where God's presence transforms our lives, setting us apart for His purposes. Psalm 126 and John 12 offer profound insights into this transformative experience.

Psalm 126 bursts with the sheer joy of restoration. "When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream!" This wasn't a mere change of location but a spiritual homecoming, a return to a place of promise and purpose. The overwhelming joy expressed in laughter and song speaks of an encounter with God's miraculous intervention. In this context, to be anointed is to experience that dream-like reality, where God's grace surpasses all expectations and brings about a profound sense of liberation. The nations around them recognized the hand of God in their joy, saying, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them." This highlights the outward manifestation of an inward transformation. When truly anointed, our lives testify to God's power, drawing others to witness His glory. The joy that overflows from an anointed heart becomes a beacon, illuminating the transformative power of God.

In John 12, Mary's anointing Jesus' feet with expensive nard takes on a deeper, more sacrificial dimension. This wasn't a casual gesture; it was a profound act of worship and recognition of Jesus' divine purpose. The fragrance that filled the house symbolized the preciousness of her offering and the sacredness of the moment. Judas's cynical response underscores the world's tendency to misinterpret acts of genuine devotion. He saw only the monetary value of the perfume, failing to grasp the spiritual significance of Mary's actions. Jesus, however, recognized the prophetic nature of her anointing, understanding it as a preparation for His burial. He saw the heart behind the offering, a heart filled with love and reverence. The anointing of Jesus' feet, like the restoration described in Psalm 126, speaks of a setting apart for a divine purpose. Mary's act wasn't just an emotional outpouring but a recognition of Jesus' role as the Messiah, the anointed one. Similarly, our anointing as Christians calls us to recognize and embrace our role in God's plan.
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To be anointed is to understand that our lives are not our own. We are called to pour out our "precious perfume," our time, talents, and resources, to serve God. This isn't always easy; it may involve sacrifice and a willingness to be misunderstood by the world. But like Mary, we are called to offer our devotion wholeheartedly, trusting that God sees and honors our sacrifice. The fragrance of our anointing should permeate our lives, influencing our actions, words, and relationships. It should be an aroma of love, grace, and humility, drawing others to the Savior. It's the joy described in Psalm 126, mixed with the dedicated sacrifice of Mary. It is the understanding that the amazing things God has done demand a response of worship and a life lived in service to Him. This anointing is not a static event but a dynamic process of surrender and transformation. It's a daily choice to walk in obedience, to allow God to shape us into His image, and to use us for His glory. It's living in the reality of the joy of salvation and offering our lives as a living sacrifice, a fragrant offering to the Lord.