Memories are very important in life; because it is the memories of yesterday that brighten our lives and inspire us to dream of a better tomorrow. Easter is a celebration of memories. Easter reminds us that even the death of a person is not the end of his life or of his dreams. That memory — the resurrection of the Lord — is the foundation and cornerstone of our faith.
Look, how beautifully the resurrected Jesus descends into the memories of those who were with him on the paths of life. It is most beautifully illustrated by the evangelist John. Fishing on the shores of Tiberias, the Lord has fond memories of those who went fishing and caught human beings. But with the death of the Lord, the disciples forget all those memories and go down again with the boat and the net. But Jesus, who never forgets anything, makes them, again, human beings captivated by old memories. More than that, it gives life to their memories.
Do not kill memories. Rather, it must be nurtured by giving life. Of course when it comes to the Risen One. Those memories must grow in us and we must cultivate in others. That is the strong basement of our faith.
When the memories of the resurrection of the Lord are immortal, and it grows through us to the other, our faith and the proclamation of the apostles will not be in vain.
The memories of the resurrection bring us back to his birth. He came as a human being to the memories of peace that filled the hopes of many people who were waiting for the Savior. The angels’ greetings at Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:14) and Jesus’ greetings after His resurrection (Luke 23:36) were memories of this peace. He is the King and preacher of peace. In his mind were memories of a peaceful life. He dedicated his life to it.
Among the disciples who accepted the peace of the Risen One, the memories of fear later lost their place. Until then they had been haunted by the frightening memories of Calvary and the memories of the Risen One were the breath of life. When those memories came to life, they proclaimed the resurrection with double force. The risen Jesus became a living-forever memory in them. So as we enter into this joy of the resurrection, let us also celebrate the memories. Let us strive to live in peace in the burning memories of the risen Jesus.
One thing is for sure. This holy week, rituals and ceremonies will all pass away leaving memories. But if the memories of the Risen One are not to fade away – if he is to be a pearl of light over a dark life, he must hear the Resurrected One. He said, “Do it in remembrance,” and it was sacrificed for us to dwell in it forever. We should remember it always. The Presence of the Risen One! Let’s share the glowing memories of that presence! So can we. Rise and Rise again when we go down in our lives.