"What does the Easter story — the death and Resurrection of Jesus — mean to you?”
As Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School approached Easter, an important question was asked around campus: “What does the Easter story — the death and Resurrection of Jesus — mean to you?”
Leann Luevano, Class of 2028
“To me his Resurrection means grace. Jesus was crucified on a cross and resurrected, which is a sacrifice he made, but because he did it out of will. Whenever he was resurrected, it’s like if the world reset so he can forgive us, us sinful people. He showed that no matter what kind of a person we are, he gave up his life so we can have a better one, because he’s all loving. His resurrection is important because it shows that he loves us he gave us a second chance at life from the world.”
Elias Garcia, Class of 2027
“To me the Easter story and resurrection of Jesus Christ shows how whatever suffering and pain you endure and take, in the end God will raise you up and all the suffering will have meaning. I know I’m going a bit off topic, but it is even shown in Jesus’ walk to Calvary. During Jesus carrying his cross up to the mountain, suffering doesn’t look like something bad that everyone should avoid. This suffering looks inevitable, that we must suffer, that a life with God means the world will hate you and spit on you just for imitating Christ.
“It shows that no matter what, we must carry our cross til the very end to be strong, because at the end of the road God the Father will welcome us with open arms filled with love to be with him. It shows me that no matter what struggles we face, with God we will always be victorious.”
Arlem Escobar, Class of 2026 “To me, the Easter story and Jesus’ resurrection mean that no matter how bad things get, there’s always hope. It shows that even when everything seems lost, like when Jesus died, God can still turn it around and bring something amazing out of it. “It’s also a reminder that we’re never too far gone. Jesus literally died for us. Even when we mess up, he still loves us that much. That kind of love is crazy powerful. “The resurrection makes me feel like there's a purpose to all the pain and struggles we go through. It’s not just suffering for no reason. There’s something bigger going on. And it reminds me to keep going, to have faith, even when life gets hard.”
Lisandro Collazo, Class of 2025 “To me it serves a reminder of God's love and mercy. It’s also a time for me and my family to get together to celebrate God’s love and mercy. His Resurrection serves as a reminder that death and suffering aren't the end. And with him, we are offered hope and life. It reminds me to live my life with gratitude and love.”
Maria Strain, art teacher “The Easter story and the resurrection means renewal to me, and it is the foundation of our faith. During Lent we give up things, so after Easter we can have a sense of renewal in our life and gratitude for what was given up for us. I love that outside there is a springtime renewal happening in our physical world at the same time. I always feel very thankful.”
Mariana Carrera is a sophomore at Cristo Rey OKC Catholic High School.