The Resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the central event of our faith (1 Cor 15:14ff). Our response to Jesus' Resurrection makes a total difference in the world around us. If we do not live as a risen people, living a risen life to the full (Jn 10:10), with our entire existence transformed, then we look no different from those in the world.
Satan couldn't stop Jesus from rising from the dead. So now he is reduced to trying to stop people from living the risen life in Christ. If Satan can get Christians to stop living "the radical newness of [their] Christian life that comes from Baptism" (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People Pope St. John Paul II,10), he has accomplished much of his evil goal. When Christians live a listless, faithless life, the world sees that resurrection makes no practical difference and decides that this life is all there is (see 1 Cor 15:19, 32).
We Christians must allow the Resurrection of Jesus to set our hearts on fire (Lk 24:32). When we encounter the risen Jesus, receive the Holy Spirit, and change our lifestyles accordingly, the change "cannot be hidden" (Mt 5:14). The world may not believe, but they will not be able to miss the joy and the changes in our lives as we radiate love, peace, and courage. The world will come to believe if they see us live like we truly have faith in Jesus risen from the dead.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I "rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:8). |
| PROMISE: | "As it is, Christ is now raised from the dead." –1 Cor 15:20 |
| PRAISE: | The faith of the Korean Martyrs was formed and strengthened by God's Word. Their witness transformed the lives of thousands. |
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