by Bro. Willy Nakar
Let me first share my personal experience on the custom of some Catholics of jumping from a high place on Easter Sunday, in the belief in my early years, that individuals deficient in height will grow taller. Obviously, how limited was my understanding of the power of Christ’s resurrection (Philippians 3:10). The apostles and their community knew and experienced it. Scripture says, “Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles” (Acts 2:43). “With great power, the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favor was accorded them all” (Acts 4:33).
St Paul’s ardent desire was to know Christ and the power of His resurrection (Philippians 3:10). However, the Bible tells us that if Christ has not been raised, then empty, too, is our preaching; empty, too, our faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).
It is truly worth remembering that the resurrection of Jesus is at the heart of the earliest Christian “kerygma,” that is, the public announcement of God’s salvation through the victory of Jesus over death.
As St Paul proclaimed from 1 Corinthians 15:54-55:
Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? (Isaiah 25:8; Hosea 13:14)
May I now share the following message for Easter to all our dwellers in the Philippines and abroad:
Brothers & Sisters of Elim,
Happy Easter! May the Lord grant all of you and your families the merits of the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His Most Holy name.
Bro Willy & Sis Luli Nakar
At this point in time, we cannot ask God, in your behalf, for any favor more blessed, comprehensive and complete. We do this because we are living by faith and we believe in the power of prayer.
Moreover, I wish to recommend for all to reflect on:
The passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the relevant Gospel passages;
The passion has to do with the suffering of the Lord such as those mentioned in Isaiah 53:3-7, 11;
The death has to do with Isaiah 53:12; Revelation 5:6, 8-13;
The resurrection has to do with Revelation 3:20-21; Revelation 7:9-12; Acts 2:36.
In closing, may I invite your attention and commitment to one very special feature of the prayer on Easter Sunday on the Renewal of Baptismal Vows:
V. Do you reject Satan?
R. I do.
V. And all his works?
R. I do.
V. And all his empty promises?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
R. I do.
V. Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
R. I do.
V. God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May He also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever.
R. Amen.
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bro Willy Nakar is Presiding Elder of Elim Communities and a servant-leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He and his wife, Luli, founded Elim Communities, and are prime examples of how God can use surrendered individuals to impact the world. Having encountered the Lord in a personal way in 1980, they have learned to apply spiritual principles in their lives and have experienced numerous victories. Together with their family, they have dedicated their time, talents and resources for the spread of the Gospel in the country and abroad. They are the happy grandparents of seven grandchildren.
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