Easter Reflection

The Easter Card, from Aid to the Church in Need, which I have chosen this year shows the reproduction they use of a fresco from an Orthodox church in Slovenia (Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Ljubljana). (A similar depiction is shown here).

It is a highly stylized and figurative depiction of the Resurrection. This depiction is known as the Harrowing of Hell, or the breaking up of the underworld of sin and death. Christ, as it were, skateboards on his Cross into the underworld. As he does so, he breaks the power of sin and death, represented by the broken locks, keys and chains that surround him.

Christ reaches out to Adam and Eve and he pulls them out of the underworld, to enjoy with him the life of Heaven.

Easter is more than the celebration of the Lord’s rising from the dead, even if this is at the heart of our celebration.

Easter reminds us that we are made for friendship with God and that, through Faith and the Sacraments, we are already sharers in the life of Heaven, although that life will only fully be ours beyond this life on earth.

‘Christ the Lord is Risen. Alleluia ! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia !

 Fr Christopher