Everyone recognized Lazarus when he emerged from his tomb after being dead four days (Jn 12:10-11). Yet Jesus was largely unrecognized when He emerged from His tomb on Easter morning (Lk 24:16, 37; Jn 20:15; 21:4). Jesus was "completely changed in appearance" (Mk 16:12).
One possible explanation for this is that Jesus didn't just enter the tomb as a dead man and then come back out again alive, as did Lazarus. Jesus journeyed through death to the other side, to risen life. Jesus was marvelously transformed (see 1 Cor 15:42-44). He entered death like a seed, and emerged like a tree, in risen form. He appears as a risen Man, in a transformed, resurrected body!
The disciples could no longer experience the life of Jesus that they had known before His crucifixion and death. Now Jesus' disciples, and all of us today, need to meet Jesus in His new, risen life. Jesus is risen! He is transformed. "The old order has passed away; now all is new!" (2 Cor 5:17)
Come to know Jesus risen. Ask Jesus to raise you up to meet Him in His risen glory. Renew your Baptism. Die with Christ and let His risen life flow through you. Know Jesus risen!
| PRAYER: | Father, "I want to see" with risen eyes (Lk 18:41). "I wish to know Christ and the power flowing from His resurrection" (Phil 3:10). |
| PROMISE: | "The Lord has been raised! It is true!" –Lk 24:34 |
| PRAISE: | Alleluia! "Give thanks to the Lord, invoke His name" (Ps 105:1). Praise Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life" (Jn 11:25). 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