A Few Words On "The Word"

March 23, 2008
Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of the Lord, Year A
John 20:1-9

The Feature Presentation

As humans, we love stories of hope and promise. We like tales that show our heroes rising up against unbearable odds to accomplish the impossible. Stories of suffering and triumph help us believe in a brighter future and a more harmonious world.

Don't think for a minute that the story we find in the gospels of Jesus' death and resurrection is just another fancy tale meant to simply entertain us. You and I both know that it's something more. We realize that it's the culmination of an eternal promise and a cause for eternal hope. Its significance runs deeper and symbolizes much more than the exciting events that take place.

What exactly is it that makes the pivotal story of our Christian faith so important? Well, as Christians we believe that Jesus' death and resurrection has brought us salvation and redemption, the fulfillment of God's greatest promise. However, what makes salvation so amazing can only be found by looking at who we are, the decisions we make, and the actions we take.

We are a people on a journey. We are tempted and often succumb to the pressure. We judge because of our own foolish pride. We betray the innocent and those who need us most. We run away when the going gets tough to find an easier path that leads to nothingness. We climb mountains only to fall back down into darkened valleys. We so often fail to realize the potential we know is somewhere deep inside of us.

Our own experiences and the stories found in the bible and handed down to us through the centuries help us to continually realize the significance of the Easter event. Humans turned away and God called us back. Finally, when we still didn't get the picture, Jesus came to blatantly speak a language that we could understand. By living a radical life, being willing to suffer the consequences for that lifestyle through death, and rising from a tomb, Jesus shows us that not only are we forgiven for our failures and that we are also capable of so much more than we ever dreamed was possible.

Easter is the continual moment of our eternal forgiveness, hope, and promise. We realize the depth of God's love for us and are filled with the inspiration to realize our potential in living this love daily. Despite our inadequacies we are capable of truly great things. Through our love and service to others, through our attitudes and beliefs, we are called to live a life that fully realizes the reality of our promised redemption.

Reflection Question

In what ways does the Easter event specifically encourage you to live a life that seeks ways to fulfill the potential God has given you?

Join us in our Forum to discuss these questions!