The Resurrection is depicted in this 14th-century painting by Master of Santacroce. Easter, the chief feast in the liturgical calendars of all Christian churches, commemorates Christ's resurrection from the dead. Easter is celebrated April 9 this year. (OSV News artwork/Agnew\'s, Bridgeman Images)

Dear Subscribers to Washington Weekly:

We are able to call today "Good Friday" because of what happens two days hence: Easter Sunday. Had Jesus not risen from the dead, he perhaps would have been remembered as an amazing miracle worker with great compassion for the sick and the poor. But with his resurrection, Jesus changed the world for all time. No longer do we face despair and meaninglessness; we are not prisoners of death or sin. Now we have the choice to yield to God's plan of salvation in Jesus. With St. Paul, we can proclaim: "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? ...Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Cor 15:55, 57).

As we celebrate the promise of Easter, may we answer the call to be Christ's disciples to proclaim the Good News through our words and deeds.

Happy Easter to you and your families!