We have been forgiven and redeemed. Christ is Risen! In those three words, everything is said. In them lies the foundation of our faith, our hope, our love, the Christian life, all of our wisdom, our enlightenment, the Holy Church, sincere prayer, and all that is to come.
With those three words, all human ills – death, evil – are destroyed, and life, happiness, and freedom are given.
What miraculous power!..

Just making the response “Truly He is Risen!” is not, in and of itself, proof of Christ's Resurrection in us, in our hearts.
That is confirmed by our joy in the Lord and is proven by our love for Christ.
Whoever so loves understands and harbors no doubts about God's love.
However, beloved brothers and sisters, remember your recent confession, remember how you recently repented of sometimes complaining about God, doubting in His mercy, accusing the Lord of causing you undeserved sorrows and unbearable suffering, and even of not wishing to hear your prayers.
Remember how, living in sin, you tended to consider the Lord unkind, deaf, and blind to your woes and needs. Now, having united yourselves to Christ, have you recognized that He is Loving God, Merciful God, and not a punishing God? If you actually recognize that Truth, you undoubtedly understand God and His Providence, and love God with a pure heart; Christ is Risen in you, and you now can consciously respond to the joyous Christian greeting “Christ is Risen!” with the words “Truly He is Risen!”