Grace Heals the Misgivings of Prejudice. April 20, 2025. Chima Offurum. 

Easter is, at its core, a celebration of grace; God’s unearned, unmerited, and abundant gift to humanity. We do not work so hard to earn this grace through effort or righteousness; it flows freely from God’s deep desire to offer Himself to us in love. In a world where entitlement often overshadows gratitude, and many assume it is their right to receive without giving in return, Easter invites us to reclaim an appreciation of grace and divine favor. It reminds us that we can accomplish anything with it, especially rolling off the stones on our way to thrive.​

An insight drawn from this holy weekend’s celebration, especially putting Triduum behind us, lies in the simplicity and precision of the Easter liturgy. Following Palm Sunday’s elaborate and deeply symbolic ceremonies through the Easter Vigil, Easter morning brings a notable shift: the readings are shorter, and the overall tone is more subdued. This subtle change reinforces the message of grace. It is not about working harder or achieving more to earn divine favor. It is about grace, which I have to repeat, by its very nature, is not something we earn; it comes freely from God.​

One could ask what it takes to receive grace, and that’s a great question. The answer is simple: Nothing. But in response to receiving grace, we are called to offer something in return, to love with the eyes of God. The Easter message urges us to respond to grace with unrestrained love, to forgive freely, and to liberate ourselves from cycles of retaliation or vengeance. When we embrace these values, we embrace grace and demonstrate our proper understanding of Easter.​

Easter also reminds us to go beyond the politeness of being “nice.” It challenges us to engage in healthier interactions that build up and honor the inherent dignity of every individual. By extending the grace we have received, we affirm that we are products of grace, transformed by God’s gift, and commissioned to share that grace with everyone. This response is how we truly honor the favor we draw from God. Among other things, living out grace daily in our interactions is the right and best attitude to capture the spirit of Easter because it supports rolling off the stone of prejudices to restore acceptance and build community (coming into unity). ​