This man [Jesus], handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.
Acts 2:23-24 (NRSV)
Irfan Masih (2009)
Shot on Shift
In October 2009, Irfan Masih, a Christian security guard at a factory in Lahore, Pakistan, woke his Muslim colleague Ishfaq Niazi for the change of shift. This simple act would prove to be fatal. Ishfaq (31) is believed to have shot Irfan (20) because he was angry that a “Christian untouchable” had dared to touch his foot.
Sources say that the shooting followed a recent dispute between the two guards, when Ishfaq was enraged by Irfan’s statement that the grave of Jesus Christ is empty and He is alive.
But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day:
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His Way:
Alleluia! Alleluia!
William W How (1823-1897)
O Blessed Lord, who didst promise thy disciples that through thy Easter victory their sorrow should be turned to joy, and their joy no man should take from them: Grant us, we pray thee, so to know thee in the power of thy resurrection, that we may be partakers of that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory; for thy holy name’s sake.
Parish Prayers (no. 329)