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.

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“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.

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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 … Read More

“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.

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“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.

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