Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! Alleluia!
As I reflected on the great mystery of Easter— the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus—I was reminded of a vivid memory from my childhood that still speaks to me today.
I grew up in a village where most families lived by farming. A canal flowed through the village, separating our homes from the church. For nine months of the year, it ran with water, but in the hot summer, it dried up completely. When that happened, we boys used to play there, especially in the evening as the sun was setting.
The dry canal had many bushy branches along its edges, and as night approached, snakes would begin to appear. We often saw water snakes, Indian rat snakes, Indian cobras, and sometimes even Russell’s vipers, which are highly venomous. We called it “snake hunting.” With long sticks in hand, we’d go exploring. When we saw a snake, the bravest among us would step forward first. He would strike the middle of the snake to stop it from moving, then carefully strike its head and remove the venom from it. After that, we would each take turns making sure the snake could no longer harm anyone.
This memory came to my heart as I thought of what Jesus did for us. In a way, Jesus is that brave one—the strongest, the most courageous. He came into a world filled with danger and evil. He faced the ancient serpent—the devil—and through His Passion and Cross, He struck the blow that would destroy the power of sin and death.
Just as the book of Genesis tells us: “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)
And St. Paul reminds us: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
Jesus, through His death and Resurrection, has fulfilled this promise. He has crushed the head of the serpent. He has broken the power of sin. He has defeated death once and for all.
This is the joy of Easter: that we no longer live in fear of sin or death, because Christ has conquered them both. As St. John Chrysostom once preached: “O death, where is your sting? O hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown!”
So today, we rejoice! The tomb is empty, and the light of Christ shines into every dark place. Let this Easter be a time of hope, renewal, and courage—for the same Lord who crushed the serpent walks with us still.
May the Risen Christ bless you and your family with His peace and joy this Easter season.
Alleluia! He is truly Risen!
Fr. Sudhakar Mannam—Pastor