This Sunday is Easter. What is the theme in Christian theology of Easter? Resurrection. What is behind this concept of resurrection? What does it mean, “to resurrect”?

Dictionary.com definition:

1. to raise from the dead; bring to life again.
2. to bring back into use, practice, etc.: to resurrect an ancient custom.

Let’s take up the first definition: to raise from the dead, or bring to life again. Why would anyone other than Stephen King want to bring something back that is dead? Again returning to Christian theology, Jesus returned in physical form to his followers for 40 days. Say, didn’t he wander in the wilderness for 40 days? Didn’t it rain for 40 days and 40 nights when Noah was floating around in the ark? Something about that 40 days thing becomes almost metaphorical in the sense that it’s used so often (e.g.: during Lent you’re supposed to ‘give something up’ for 40 days, but that doesn’t include Sundays…digression). Maybe it’s just convenient because 40 is two score. Enough, yes? Moving on…

So he appears for 40 days and then ascends to heaven to sit at the right hand of God (according to the Apostle’s Creed, weekly pronouncement in many Christian church services). So what’s the message here? Many interpret the message – here’s one that sums it up nicely (a nod to Rev. Christopher Raja for his on-line version):

The message of resurrection has to bring in confidence of eternity that has to be reflected in renewal and repentance from the things that keep us away from the communion of Christ.

Aha – three key words here: renewal,repentance and communion.

So maybe the concept here is when those amongst us repent and begin to change the direction of their lives, we can renew our relationship with them. Maybe we can use the Easter season as a time to re-establish our faith in each member of our family and try to see beyond past grievances and slights. Quote John Lennon: Give peace a chance. Life is short – no room for drama.