Royals Report: forgiveness, hope, growth

As Easter approaches, members of the Cristo Rey OKC community reflected on the meaning of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and how it shapes their daily lives. For students and staff alike, the resurrection is more than a moment in history; it is a source of hope, renewal, and purpose that influences how they face challenges, grow in faith, and interact with others.

Perla Garcia, junior:
“It impacts my life in many ways because it gives me the chance for a second opportunity for the forgiveness of my sins. It also provides me an opportunity to grow my relationship with God and to help others learn or grow in their faith, too.”
Garcia said her reflection centers on growth and second chances. For her, the Resurrection is not just about forgiveness, but also about transformation. She sees it as a chance to strengthen her relationship with God while also encouraging others in their faith journeys. In small conversations with friends or moments of encouragement, that belief extends beyond her life and into the lives of those around her.

Ashton Smith, theology teacher:
 “Well, it means everything actually, because when Christ resurrects from the dead that gives us hope to be redeemed from sin. Saint Paul said in Romans, ‘we die with Christ; we also rise with Christ.’ The impact on my life is that I have hope and courage to face every day, whether it is the simplest thing or a particularly hard day. This truth gives me hope in everything.”
Smith said she connects the Resurrection to both Scripture and daily life. Referencing Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans, she emphasizes being united with Christ not only in death, but also in new life. For her, this belief provides a steady source of courage, seen in the way she approaches each day, whether guiding students or facing challenges with quiet confidence rooted in faith.

Laila Barr, junior:
“The Resurrection of Jesus Christ means hope and a fresh start to me. As a junior, life can sometimes be stressful due to school, expectations, and figuring out the future, but the Resurrection serves as a reminder that failure and difficult moments don't mean the end of the story. It indicates that God can bring something good out of even the worst situations.

“It also impacts how I try to live day to day. It pushes me to be more forgiving, to not hold onto things, and to treat people with more kindness because of the love Jesus showed. It reminds me that I’m not alone and that there’s a bigger purpose beyond just school or activities. Overall, it gives me peace and motivates me to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming.”

Barr’s response reflects the reality many of us students face – balancing school and future expectations can feel overwhelming. But she finds reassurance in the message of the Resurrection. Her reflection shows how faith is lived out in quiet, everyday moments: choosing kindness, letting go of frustration and holding onto hope when the day feels heavy.

In classrooms and hallways, the meaning of the Resurrection takes shape in different ways. For some, it looks like starting over after a mistake. For others, it’s the courage to face a difficult day or the decision to show kindness when it isn’t easy. Though each perspective is different, the message of hope remains constant, carried out in the small choices that shape daily life at Cristo Rey OKC.