Without the risen Christ, our work falls apart, no matter how developed it is. For example, Theudas had four-hundred men join his cause. However, he was killed, and in the end his movement "came to nothing" (Acts 5:36). Judas the Galilean also "built up quite a following, but likewise died, and all his followers were dispersed" (Acts 5:37).
With the risen Christ, however, even the most insignificant resources are miraculously multiplied to feed the masses (Jn 6:11). Our little efforts become like a mustard seed from which a tree with many branches will rise (Mt 13:32). The daily routine offered to the risen Christ becomes like leaven that will raise our lives to miraculous power and significance (Mt 13:33).
Is your life and work showing signs of the resurrection or of deterioration? Are you on the rise, or falling apart? Jesus' resurrection not only transforms dead bodies but also "dead works" (see Heb 6:1; 9:14). Our future is either one of human decay or divine multiplication. The resurrection transforms both life after death and life before death. It makes life worth living and work worth doing.
| PRAYER: | Risen Jesus, I give You all the loaves and fish of my life for You to multiply them. |
| PROMISE: | "When the people saw the sign He had performed they began to say, 'This is undoubtedly the Prophet Who is to come into the world.' " –Jn 6:14 |
| PRAISE: | Reading the Bible encourages Mary to attend daily Mass, and Mass in turn encourages her to read the Scriptures more deeply. |
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