Why are there Seven Sundays of Easter?

    Why are we still celebrating Easter several weeks after Holy Week? The Church invites us during these seven weeks of Easter to reflect on the centrality of the Resurrection as it pertains to our witness, hope, and unity. On this culmination of the Easter season, the readings today remind us of the transformative power of the resurrection and the call to live as witnesses to Christ's love all year.

    In the Acts of the Apostles 7:55-60, we encounter the martyrdom of St. Stephen, who, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazes into heaven and sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand. Stephen’s vision is a powerful testament to the reality of the risen Christ and the hope that sustains believers even in the face of persecution and death. His unwavering faith and willingness to forgive those who are stoning him reflect the essence of Christian witness. Stephen’s martyrdom serves as a poignant reminder that the call to follow Christ often involves sacrifice and a commitment to love, even when faced with hostility. As we reflect on this passage, we are challenged to consider how we bear witness to our faith in our daily lives. Are we willing to stand firm in our convictions, even when it is difficult? Stephen’s example encourages us to embody the love of Christ, extending forgiveness and compassion to those around us.

    Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20 presents a vision of hope and fulfillment, where Christ declares, “Behold, I am coming soon.” This promise of Christ’s return instills a sense of urgency and anticipation within the Christian community. The imagery of the tree of life and the invitation to partake in its fruits symbolizes the abundant life offered to believers through Christ. This passage emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and vigilant, as we await the culmination of God’s plan for creation. The repeated invitation to come and drink from the water of life underscores the accessibility of God’s grace and the invitation to all to enter into a relationship with Him. As we reflect on this promise, we are reminded that our hope is anchored in the resurrection and the assurance of eternal life. It calls us to live in a way that reflects our anticipation of Christ’s return, actively participating in the work of building His kingdom on earth. 

    In John 17:20-26, we find ourselves in the midst of Jesus’ high priestly prayer, where He prays not only for His disciples but also for all who will believe in Him through their message. This prayer emphasizes the theme of unity, as Jesus desires that His followers be one, just as He and the Father are one. The unity that Jesus prays for is not merely an organizational or institutional unity but a deep spiritual communion that reflects the love and relationship within the Trinity. This call to unity is particularly relevant in our contemporary world, marked by division and conflict. As followers of Christ, we are called to transcend our differences and work      towards reconciliation, embodying the love that Jesus exemplified. His prayer reminds us that our witness to the world is strengthened when we live in unity, as it reflects the very nature of God’s love.

    The readings for the final Sunday of Easter challenge us to embrace our identity as witnesses to the resurrection. Like Stephen, we are called to bear witness to the truth of Christ, even in the face of adversity. The promise of Christ’s return in Revelation inspires us to live with hope and purpose, actively participating in the work of His kingdom. And the prayer of Jesus in John’s Gospel calls us to strive for unity, embodying the love of God in our relationships with one another. As we conclude this Easter season, may we carry the joy of the resurrection into our daily lives, allowing it to transform our hearts and actions. May we be bold witnesses to the love of Christ, extending grace and forgiveness to those around us, and may we seek to live in unity with one another, reflecting the beauty of God’s love to a world in need. In doing so, we fulfill our calling as members of the Body of Christ, living out the hope and promise of the resurrection in every aspect of our lives.

 

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