From the Catechism of Trent on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Early on the morning of the third day after his death, that is, on Sunday, his soul was reunited to his body, and thus he who was dead during those three days arose, and returned again to life, from which he had departed when he died. By the word “resurrection,” however, we are not merely to understand that Christ was raised from the dead, which happened to many others, but that he rose by his own power and virtue, a singular prerogative peculiar to him alone.
That he rose on the third day does not mean that our Lord remained in the grave during the whole of these three days. But rather as he lay in the sepulcher a part of Good Friday, one full day of Holy Saturday, and a part of the following day, Easter Sunday, he is said, therefore, to have lain in the grave for three days, and on the third day to have risen again from the dead.
To prove that he was God he did not delay his resurrection to the end of the world. While, on the other hand, to convince us that he was truly man and really died, he rose not immediately, but on the third day after his death, a space of time sufficient to prove the reality of his death.
From the resurrection of Christ, therefore, we should draw two lessons: the one, that after we have been washed from the stains of sin, we should begin to lead a new life, distinguished by integrity, innocence, holiness, modesty, justice, beneficence, and humility. The other is that we should persevere in the newness of life we have received and in the paths of virtue on which we have entered with divine assistance.
The resurrection of Christ also supplies us with strength to die to sin and to attain righteousness, so that thenceforward serving God in piety and holiness, we may walk in the newness of life to which we have risen. By his resurrection, our Lord accomplished this especially that we, who before died with him to sin and to the world, should rise also with him to a new order and manner of life.
The principal signs of this resurrection from sin that should be noted are taught us by the Apostle. For when he says: If you be risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God, he distinctly tells us that they who desire to possess life, honor, repose, and riches have truly risen with Christ. If a person relishes whatever things are true, modest, just, and holy, and experiences within him or her the sweetness of heavenly things, this we may consider a strong proof that such a person has risen with Christ Jesus to a new and spiritual life.
Let us pray. O Risen Christ, we come before you today with hearts full of gratitude and joy. We thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and for the hope that your resurrection brings to our lives. We pray that you will continue to guide us and strengthen us as we walk in your footsteps. We ask that you bless us with your love and grace, and that you help us to share that love and grace with others. May we be a light in the darkness, shining your love and hope to all those around us. Risen Christ, we thank you for your love and your grace, and we ask that you continue to bless us and guide us each and every day. Amen.
May the risen Christ bless you and your loved ones with his love and grace.