“Whoever rises again after falling, with trust in God and in deep humility, becomes in God’s hands a suitable instrument for accomplishing great things; but whoever behaves otherwise can never do good.” (St. Paul of the Cross)
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The resurrection of the body (II)
Let us now turn to the salvific teaching on the resurrection, which is so essential that St. Paul makes it clear: “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” (1 Cor 15:13 ff)
Since our Catholic faith gives us the light of truth, it is salvific in the deepest sense of the word. Nothing leads a person more deeply toward his destiny than when, in God’s grace, he recognizes the truth and accepts the salvation that God offers him in His infinite mercy through Christ Jesus. If he lives in the truth, then the heavenly Father will shape him into what He intended when He created him. This will be fulfilled in eternity. Yet we must not conceal the truth that a person, through his own fault, can fail to reach his goal and must live forever separated from the vision of God, enduring the corresponding torments. This teaching is also salutary, for it is meant to awaken us and bring our responsibility for our lives into clear focus, so that we may choose life in the truth.
The resurrection of the body (I)
Through the meditations on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, we were introduced during the Easter Octave to the liturgically wonderful Easter season, which the Risen Lord spent with His disciples on earth to further prepare them for their future mission. One can still sense the disciples’ amazement at the events, which only gradually sank in as reality.
In deciding how to continue my daily reflections, I have chosen the readings of the Old Rite as my primary guide. Since I have frequently interpreted the readings of the New Rite, links to these earlier reflections will continue to be available at the end of my remarks.
First, however, it is important to delve deeper into a significant topic.
“THE HEAVENLY FRIEND”
“You have a good friend there, My son, a good friend!” (Inner word)
“A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter: he that has found one has found a treasure.” (Sir 6:14)
I heard these beautiful words deep within my heart and knew that the good friend was the Apostle Paul. Indeed, he has been with me for a long time, and his wise words and devoted life are a light on my path. Thus, he is my teacher and friend, to whom I can turn.
LOW SUNDAY: “The peace of the Risen One”
What is true peace? It is the peace that comes from God, the peace that springs from His heart. Jesus put it this way: Read More
A TREASURE HOUSE OF GOD ON EARTH
“When you speak the truth, heaven opens and bestows gifts upon you.” (Inner word)
The goodness and beauty of the truth that comes from Your heart, dear Father, transforms everything. The mists must give way, lies are dispelled, deceptions are exposed, and the light shines in the darkness.
SATURDAY OF EASTER WEEK: “John saw and believed”
We have heard it many times in the accounts. It has happened: The Lord has risen from the dead! He is truly risen! Alleluia! This cry resounds throughout the Christian faith and gives it hope—hope even in dark times, when it seems to be fading—for the Resurrection of Christ is the visible sign of victory over hell and death!
“O death, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?” (1 Cor 15:55)
May this cry never fall silent. May it lift up all despondent hearts and pierce through the darkness. The Lord is risen!
Today’s Gospel reading in the Old Rite (John 20:1–9) takes us back once more to the disciples on the early morning of Easter. They still have a journey to make to understand what happened on Easter morning. It is still unclear to them, and they are shaken and grieving over the death of their Lord. What will happen after His death? The Lord now lay in the tomb …
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“NEVER STAND STILL”
“Saints are always called to grow and never to stand still” (inner word)
On our path of discipleship and in our Father’s arms, we can ease the taut bow a little—without, however, setting it aside or losing sight of it. This does no harm; rather, it removes unnecessary hardness from us. For as children of our Father, we know well that God adjusts every cross to our abilities and gives all the grace needed to bear it.
“A BLESSING FOR HEAVEN AND EARTH”
“The greatest happiness of our lives: to become like Jesus.” (St. John Eudes)
What joy—for You and for humanity—when we strive to put these words of John Eudes into practice. You did not send Your Son merely as our Redeemer, so that He might be the way to You. You also set Him before our eyes so that we might become like Him and be as He is.
FRIDAY OF EASTER WEEK: “The commission from the risen Lord”
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.” (Mt 28:18-20) Read More