Two things stand out in the Resurrection accounts in the Gospels:
1) Numerous verbs refer to the human senses: touching (Jn 20:27; Lk 24:39), walking (Mk 16:12), eating (Lk 24:43), seeing (Lk 24:39-40) and breathing (Jn 20:22). The Gospel writers are stating that Resurrection from the dead is not merely a spiritual concept; it is a concrete reality.
2) The post-Resurrection greeting is: "Peace be with you" (Jn 20:19, 21; Lk 24:36). This shalom-peace is not merely an idea, it is a risen reality. Shalom indicates a world ordered properly under God. Now that Jesus is risen from the dead, shalom-peace is actually possible.
The peace God gives is beyond human achievement. No one can take away this peace, not even persecutors. It is God's peace, which has no limits. It is beyond understanding (Phil 4:7).
The Resurrection of Jesus is dynamite. Plug into the reality of Jesus' risen life. Ask the risen Jesus to touch you and fill you with His risen power. Alleluia!
| PRAYER: | Father, may Jesus' Resurrection be so real to me that I respond by changing my entire lifestyle. |
| PROMISE: | "Therefore, reform your lives! Turn to God, that your sins may be wiped away!" –Acts 3:19 |
| PRAISE: | Jesus is risen! "This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it" (Ps 118:24). Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College