Today, we join the chorus that has echoed through the centuries: Christ is risen! Alleluia! He is risen indeed! Easter is not merely a commemoration—it is a proclamation of hope, of victory, and of life.
The climax of the mystery of faith is revealed today in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Resurrection is not just something that happened to Jesus—it is something that now transforms everything for us. It marks a paradigm shift: from Jesus in His humanity to Jesus in His glory.
When Jesus, the Master, was taken away from His disciples, they were left like orphans—like chicks without their mother. Disciples’ hopes collapsed into disillusionment, confusion, and despair.
Dear brothers and sisters, faith often begins in the dark—in moments of confusion, grief, and loss. But the Resurrection is the light that pierces the darkness. Easter is not about having all the answers; it is about trusting the One who lives. While the disciples were focused on earthly expectations, divine mercy was already reshaping the course of human history—igniting hope, bringing victory, and giving life.
In Chad, my homeland, poor leadership led some to take up arms in an attempt to overthrow the corrupt, unjust, nepotistic, and despotic regime of Idriss Deby Itno. Rebels clashed with the national army in the capital, N’Djamena. During the violent confrontations of February 2, 2007, and April 13, 2008, the echoes of war resounded: gunfire tore through the streets, bullets rained upon our roofs, and homes trembled as if shaken by an earthquake.
In those moments, I asked myself: What was the people’s hope? To live? To die?
In Chad, as in many countries, people struggle daily to afford even two meals. What do they hope for? In nations where education remains a privilege for the few, what future remains for the many? In Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gaza, Myanmar, El Salvador, Mexico—where suffering abounds—what are people hoping for? Survival? Food? Clean water? Medicine? Or simply a fleeting moment of peace?
Today, through His Resurrection, our Lord shows us the way to eternal life with Him. This is our hope—hope for justification, hope for the beatific vision, hope to see God face-to-face. The victory of Jesus over death is the triumph of light over darkness, joy over suffering, and love over hatred.
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was known for saying, “You only have to have two loves in your life: for God, and for the person in front of you at any particular time.” In him, we see a leader whose faith inspired a lifelong commitment to love, compassion, and service—a reflection of the Resurrection’s call to live for others.
Today’s liturgy invites us to proclaim with the psalmist:
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” Let the Resurrection of Jesus grant us the grace to be bearers of hope—to work for a better life for others, to transform their suffering into joy, and their death into new life.
He is Risen! Alleluia!
Fr. Taroh Amédé, S.J. is a Jesuit priest and a member of the West Africa Province. He joined the staff at American Jesuits International in July of 2024 as he continues to support his Province and our broader mission while he learns essential fundraising and development skills.
