When Jesus rose from the dead, everything changed—not only for His disciples, but for all of humanity. The Gospels tell us that His Resurrection was not the end of His story on earth, but the beginning of a new chapter in God’s plan for our salvation. For forty days, the risen Christ appeared to His followers, comforting them, strengthening their faith, and sending them forth to share the Good News.
Many people have asked me what those days were like. The Scriptures give us glimpses of deep tenderness and joy. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who was weeping at His tomb (John 20:14–16). Then He walked beside two disciples on the road to Emmaus, explaining the Scriptures and breaking bread with them (Luke 24:13–35). Later, He stood among the apostles, showing them His wounds and saying, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). These were moments when despair turned into faith, and fear into courage.
For forty days, Jesus continued to teach His disciples about the Kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). He was preparing them for the mission ahead—to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in His name to all nations. He told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. In those days, they came to understand that Jesus’ Resurrection was not only proof of His divinity, but also the promise of our own resurrection. Death had been conquered forever.
Finally, Jesus led His disciples to the Mount of Olives. There, He blessed them and was taken up into heaven before their eyes (Luke 24:50–51). This event, known as the Ascension, marks His return to the Father’s glory. Yet it was not a farewell. Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). His presence continues through the Holy Spirit, the Eucharist, and the life of the Church.
When we reflect on what happened after the Resurrection, we see how the story of Easter is still unfolding. The risen Christ continues to meet us—in our doubts, in our prayers, and in every act of love. Just as He transformed the hearts of His first disciples, He longs to awaken new faith in ours.
Let us live each day as Easter people—bearing witness to the risen Christ who walks beside us. His victory is not behind us, but alive within us.
— Fr. John Matthew, for Christian Way
