A couple of days ago a phone call came from a dear priest-friend preparing his Easter Sunday homily. He asked the question, "How is life different when you truly believe and have faith in the Resurrection?" That's a good question for anyone, but a real good one for someone who spent 30 minutes dead, out of body and in the afterlife.
NO FEAR
The first reflection that comes to
mind is belief in the Resurrection should result in the loss of the fear of
death. One does not fear death because
knowing God the Father and the love of his Son Jesus Christ sets you free from
such a fear. "As soon as Jesus
heard the word that was spoken, he said to the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid,
only believe." Jesus said to Mary
Magdalene (photo) upon encountering her on the morning of the Resurrection,
"Fear not!" Matthew 28:10
PEACE
Secondly, people who truly believe in
the Resurrection find that they have peace. They do not sweat the "small
stuff." Think about it, the
Resurrection makes everything look "small"; even an unfortunate car
crash, a crucifixion, a divorce or a stubbed toe in the night. But don't take my word for it . . . "While they were telling these things,
He Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” But they
were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit. And He
said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?
See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit
does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said
this, He showed them His hands and His feet. While they still could not believe
it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here
to eat?” They gave Him a piece of a broiled fish; and He took it and ate it
before them." Luke 24: 36-49ODD & WEIRD
Lastly, real faith in the Resurrection will make you appear odd, weird to others. This is one way you may know and even measure the amount of your faith. People weak in faith are often well-loved. They have many friends and are highly regarded by many. Jesus said, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets." Luke 6:26 Conversely, firm belief in the Resurrection often results in rejection by many. One's coworkers, boss and even their family might turn against them. Jesus said, "They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law." Luke 12:53 Now, if you're rejected because you are a lazy worker or disrespectful to your family, that is a different issue. Rejection must exist completely and totally because of your devote Faith, with a capital F.
Happy Easter to our Servants of the
Father of Mercy “Homeless in America”, LinkedIn and Facebook community, family
and friends!
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GaryJoseph@Help_4Homeless
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