Bishop Kukah Declares Easter Night as the Ultimate Triumph Over Darkness

This Easter night represents the ultimate triumph, the moment when the promises of prophets are fully realised and eternity is assured. It marks the vanquishing of fear and the resolution of our long, anxious journey. This is the night that history pivoted, the night heaven and earth were joined, transforming the trial of the cross into a testament of assurance.

It is the night when all darkness was overcome, when the very fabric of time was rent, and when the sacred union of the divine and human was sealed. The suffering endured on the cross has become a beacon of salvation, the bitter taste of vinegar a precursor to our redemption, and the unjust judge, Pilate, a symbol of a conscience unable to grasp the truth. On this night, mercy and justice embraced, ushering in peace, and humanity shed its mortal coil for the mantle of immortality.

This is the night that salvation is no longer contingent on finding a select few righteous individuals but on the opening of righteousness's gates to all. Yesterday and tomorrow converge in this singular moment declared by our Saviour as 'the Hour.' Sleep yields to eternity, and the barriers erected by Adam and Eve's disobedience fall before the gates of eternal life. The tomb and the earth itself could not contain the Almighty, and the lost sheep heard the shepherd's call, returning to safety. Like Thomas, our doubts are replaced by the profound declaration, 'My Lord and My God,' as we witness His raw wounds.

Tonight, those held captive by sin and death are commanded, 'Come forth!' The betrayal in Eden finds its atonement on Golgotha. The humiliation and suffering inflicted upon His body are transformed into declarations of eternal love. We recall the forbidden fruit eaten by Adam and Eve, and how a tree, once associated with their fall, is now the cross, the emblem of our redemption and forgiveness. The piercing of His side, from which flowed blood and water, is now celebrated as the source of our baptismal waters and redemptive blood. What was once a symbol of shame has become synonymous with ultimate victory.

My dear friends, welcome to the final assurance of eternity. Welcome to the night when the promises of the prophets are finally redeemed, and fear is imprisoned for all time. This is the night that has ended our prolonged journey of uncertainty. It is the night when the guards, tasked with protecting the Lord's body, were struck dumb, appearing as if dead. Tonight is an evening of irony, where deception wore the guise of truth, and punishment became a reward. This is the night that extinguished all other nights, allowing us to declare, with clarity, that the obstacles have vanished, as famously sung, 'We can see clearly now the rain is gone.'

Our readings this Holy Saturday evening guide us through our salvation history. The first reading recalls creation, the second from Exodus highlights the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, and Ezekiel speaks of God's promise to replace our stony hearts with natural ones, bestowing a new spirit. The New Testament passage from Romans reminds us that we have been baptized into Christ's death.

The Gospel narrative focuses on Mary Magdalene's visit to the tomb. Though not an apostle, she became the first herald of the Risen Lord, announcing that a new chapter had begun. The angel's comforting words, 'Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee where they will see the risen Lord,' signal the commencement of a new ministry, one in which we now participate.

As we reflect on this sacred night, let us examine ourselves. Our celebration today is the culmination of our Lenten journey, which began with Ash Wednesday. Many engaged in fasting, prayer, and acts of mercy. Now, we stand at this zenith. What will you carry forward from this experience? This celebration is the essence of our Christian lives. I offer these points for your contemplation until next Easter:

First, emulate Mary Magdalene. Her devotion led her to the tomb, where her faithfulness was rewarded by being the first witness to the Resurrection. Love, dedication, and faithfulness were the keys to her receiving the good news.

Second, be a Veronica. In her act of compassion, wiping Jesus' face on the way to the cross, she received an imprint of His visage. Each of us can contribute to healing our world and making it a better place. Opportunities arise daily in our communities; we need not wait for grand occasions.

Third, be a Simon of Cyrene. Embrace whatever challenges life presents with faith. Though compelled to help Jesus carry His cross, he accepted the burden. Always be prepared to stand in the gap when circumstances demand it.

Fourth, be a Joseph of Arimathea. He appeared at the opportune moment and offered his own burial place. He sacrificed his personal resting place when the need arose. We too must be ready to sacrifice what we hold dear when the Master calls. God will be there for you when you require His presence.

Fifth, be like the thief on the right side of Jesus. It is never too late to seek God's boundless grace and mercy. This repentant sinner entered Heaven immediately after Jesus, having merely asked for help. This highlights the immense scope of divine forgiveness.

Finally, heed the words of 'The Old Rugged Cross': 'Cherish the rugged cross, till your trophies you lay down. Let us all cling to the old rugged cross and exchange it some day for a crown.' May you receive your crown this Easter. Rejoice, for the Lord has risen! A happy Easter to all. God bless our nation.

Matthew Hassan Kukah is the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria.

This text is derived from the sermon delivered at the Holy Saturday Mass at the Holy Family Cathedral, Sokoto, on April 4th.