Happy Easter! Did you know that the feast of Easter is celebrated for 50 days? Easter is the time when Christians celebrate the mystery of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a special time of celebration, and we use the word Alleluia a lot in this time. Alleluia means “Praise God.” And Christians praise God at Easter for the gift of new life.

The good news of Easter is that Jesus Christ, who was crucified, has been raised from the dead. This belief, this truth, this resurrection changes everything. Cruelty is not the last word. Sin and evil are not the ultimate powers of the universe. Death does not get the final laugh. Forgiveness and love and life are the final realities of the world. The power of God is stronger than the power of death.

And the good news of Easter is not only that Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead and lives, but also that the power of the resurrection, the power of love, can transform our lives as well. New life is possible: here, now, today.  God keeps calling us to live new lives, here and now. To follow the ways that Jesus showed us, to love God more than anything else—as Jesus shows us, even more than our lives—and to love each other as God loves us, with mercy and grace and deep compassion.

The season of Easter, all 50 days, is the way Christians delve deeply into the mystery of new life. Alleluia, alleluia!

Rev. Scheide is the canon missioner of the Delaware Catskill Episcopal Ministry.