Easter’s enduring message of hope

By Isaac Harold Gomes

Kolkata, April 2, 2026: Easter is a joyful affirmation of faith that through Christ’s triumph over death, humanity shares in His mission of salvation—victory over sin, death, and evil. The Resurrection is not limited by religious affiliation; it is a universal promise of hope.

Jesus rose from the dead so that all people might experience a meaningful relationship with God the Father, Creator of the universe. His victory assures us of new life both on earth and in heaven. This is why Catholics call themselves “Pilgrims of Hope.”

Through His Resurrection, Christ offers joy and peace amid daily struggles—fear, uncertainty, unemployment, heartbreak, and despair. He reminds us that hope is not abstract but lived in the midst of suffering.

Contrary to popular belief, Jesus did not preach Christianity as an institution, nor did He establish the rituals of a hierarchical church. The earliest Christians lived without hierarchy, focusing instead on the Good News of salvation and the call to servant-leadership. Jesus preached love and service to the poor, embodying a religion of compassion rather than conformity.

Jesus was a nonconformist who challenged prevailing traditions and interpretations of Mosaic Law. He healed on the Sabbath, including a man with a withered hand and a blind man. His teaching that “laws are for men, not men for laws” [Editor’s note: A common paraphrasing of “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27], emphasized that rules should serve human needs, not entrap people.

In this way, He stood alongside figures such as Socrates, who also questioned authority and was condemned for it. Modern parallels exist in activists like Jesuit Father Stan Swamy, who faced incarceration for defending human rights. The same spirit of resistance to injustice continues today.

Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection in today’s context

The themes of crucifixion, death, and resurrection are not confined to biblical history; they unfold in contemporary life. Crucifixion occurs when individuals are stripped of dignity and basic rights—seen in Gaza, Africa, Iran, and Lebanon. Exploitation of contractual workers in church-run institutions, or the displacement of tribal communities for mining interests, are modern crucifixions.

Prolonged injustice, such as incarceration without trial, leads to social and spiritual death. Spiritual death also manifests in the loss of conscience among political leaders, bureaucrats, and criminals, as well as in the suppression of communities’ dreams.

Yet resurrection is possible. For example, in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, more than 800,000 candidates competed for government jobs; those who succeed will experience resurrection through economic stability. Similarly, women of diverse faiths sharing an interfaith meal in Santragachi, a key locality outside the city, embody resurrection from sectarian division.

Resurrection is also seen in initiatives that uplift marginalized groups. St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Kolkata’s Raghabpur Campus, launched Project Udaan, a “Learn & Earn” initiative to empower rural women through skill training and livelihood opportunities, enabling them to rise above financial suppression.

Such efforts reflect Christ’s Resurrection in today’s world. On a global scale, ending destructive practices such as arms exports could be a resurrection from cycles of violence.

Easter’s message is clear: resurrection is not only about life after death but about transformation in the present. It is about reclaiming dignity, justice, and peace in the face of oppression. May Christ’s Resurrection inspire an end to wars and conflicts, and may His message of peace guide humanity toward reconciliation and hope.

(Isaac Harold Gomes is a member of the Indian Catholic Press Association, a social activist, and a freelance journalist. Contact: isaac25gomes@gmail.com)

The views expressed in this piece are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of Matters India.