Easter is not just a day, nor is it only a seven week season which lasts from Easter Day to Pentecost.

Easter for the Christian is a call and a way of life.

This is reflected in one of the most famous Easter quotes from Augustine, a fifth century bishop of Hippo in Africa. “We are an Easter people, and ‘Alleluia’ is our song!”

As Christians we are people of the resurrection, but what does this mean?

The earliest writings on Easter are found in Paul’s letters. He not only gives us an account of Easter and of the witnesses to the resurrection (see 1 Corinthians chapter 15).

He also reflects on the meaning and importance of Easter for Christian life. He writes in the letter to the Romans that Christ died to sin once for all (Romans 6.10); this is why we call the day Jesus died Good Friday. Christ died for the sins not only of the world in general but for each one of us. He goes on to write, “See yourselves, therefore, as dead to sin but alive to God in Jesus Christ”.

Christian life is resurrection life. It means living as those who are already children of God, living our lives for the God who saved us in Christ. Of course this means that Christianity is not so much a religion to follow as a life to live, it is not just about Church and Sunday (although joining in the weekly worship of the Church is an essential part of Christian life); it is about how we relate to our families and neighbours, it is about our work and our leisure.

Easter and the resurrection of Christ proclaim that God is the triumphant Lord, and as Christians we are called and challenged to live as those who belong to the Father who raised Christ, and we are called and challenged to live this every moment of every day. And if the Church began to live out its calling, just imagine the effect that would have on our homes and schools and workplaces!

The Anglican poet and Minister George Herbert wrote about ‘Easter in ordinary’ – bringing Easter into every moment of every day – this is Paul’s teaching in a nutshell and it is our calling as Christians.

God bless you all this Eastertide.