By Carlos Enrique Castro Medina
“We have a mission to fulfill, abilities to exercise, and something to do in this world.”
—Saint Marie-Eugénie of Jesus
Mexico, a land of deep Christian roots, has been deeply wounded by violence. There is no corner of the country untouched—directly or indirectly—by insecurity, impunity, or corruption. Daily, we hear reports of homicides, disappearances, extortion, and forced displacements. These are not just statistics: they are human faces. Families in mourning, broken communities, and young people without a future.
Violence is not only physical. It seeps into the growing distrust among neighbors, the hopelessness that takes root in hearts, and the paralyzing fear that convinces us there is no way out. In this darkness, many young people feel life has no meaning, that there is no point in fighting, that evil always wins.
As Church, we cannot turn a blind eye to this reality. We are witnesses to a cry for justice that urgently needs the light of the Risen One. Easter, celebrated year after year, cannot remain an empty ritual: it must become a profound experience that moves us to see life with hope and transform reality through the power of love.
The Gospel according to John tells us that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb very early, while it was still dark. That darkness was not only literal: it symbolized pain, confusion, and the apparent failure of crucified love. Mary, like many of us, sought answers among the signs of death. But the tomb was empty.
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb. The beloved disciple arrived first, but did not enter. Peter did, and saw the linen cloths. Then the other disciple also entered, “he saw and believed” (Jn 20:8).
That small gesture marked the beginning of a new story. The disciple's heart, faced with the sign of the empty tomb, opened to faith. He believed that death does not have the last word, that Christ lives, that love triumphs. That faith transformed him from within.
Today, we too are called to see and believe. To look at our wounded reality and dare to believe that God has not abandoned His people. Easter is a fulfilled promise: Christ is risen, and with Him, we can rise—from fear, from hatred, from despair.
The Resurrection is not merely a past event. It is a living presence that moves us to action. As Pope Francis says: “Christ is alive. He is in you, He is with you and He never leaves you” (Christus Vivit, 2).
In this context, the Asunción Institute of Mexico organizes the Holy Week missions every year—an experience I have had the blessing of accompanying since I joined the school.
A year ago, I had the great opportunity to take part in the missions in the community of Ejido del Rincón “San Agustín”, located in the municipality of Tecoac, in the State of Mexico. Although I had previously participated in similar experiences, that time I arrived with fear, unsure of what to say or do. All I carried with me was the desire to serve and an open heart.
During those days, I lived alongside people who, despite poverty and institutional neglect, possessed a living faith. I shared the Word, organized and participated in celebrations, played with children, and accompanied the sick. But more than anything I did, I discovered something unexpected: Easter was not a memory, but a living experience.
In the midst of simplicity, I encountered the Risen Christ: in the smile of an elderly woman asking for prayer, in the child who asked if Jesus also played, in the community lovingly preparing the altar for Holy Saturday. I returned home transformed, with a renewed heart. Today, I don’t just go on missions—I strive to make my daily life a reflection of paschal love, living my faith with joy.
My invitation is to live Easter as a way of life. It is not just one week a year, but a way of being in the world: with hope, tenderness, and commitment.
An Easter that transforms hearts—and the nation. Amid violence, Easter reminds us that life is stronger than death, that love can overcome hatred. But this transformation begins in the heart. We may not be able to change Mexico overnight, but we can change the way we live: with greater compassion, justice, and solidarity.
To see reality, enlighten it with faith, and act with love: this is the Easter path. Christ lives! And because He lives, we can love without fear, serve without conditions, and fight without ceasing.
The Resurrection is not a happy ending—it is a powerful beginning. Let us live it every day!