Easter is a celebration of new life. Jesus was raised from the dead by the Father and given the gift of new life as the risen Lord. As followers of Jesus who have been baptized into his new life, we share in this eternal gift from God.



Easter is also the celebration of peace. John’s Gospel tells us that when Jesus appeared to his disciples in the upper room on that Sunday evening, he said to them, "Peace be with you." Of all the things Jesus could have wished for his friends, he chose to wish them peace.

Jesus did not guarantee an end to war and injustice or an end to arguments and misunderstandings. Instead Jesus offered his friends the gift of peace that came from knowing that he would be with them, no matter what might happen in the days and weeks ahead. What a gift for his friends! Because the disciples didn’t know what might happen to them, they were hiding in fear. But Jesus came and stood in their midst, telling them that peace was his gift to them. God’s lasting love was with them.

Peace is Jesus’ gift to us as well. Not one of us knows what lies ahead for us. Because we are followers of Jesus, Easter sings to us of peace, real peace. We need not hide in fear, for the risen Lord is with us now and forever.

Family Activity

	Make bookmarks about peace. Make up your own slogans or adapt a familiar slogan by changing its words to words about peace.

	•		Add illustrations or symbols to the bookmarks that will remind family members of Jesus’ gift of peace.
	•		Share the bookmarks with other family members and keep one in the family Bible.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.