We are witnesses for Jesus risen (1 Cor 15:15; Acts 2:32; 3:15; 4:2). The resurrection of Jesus is the heart of the gospel (2 Tm 2:8). "If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is void of content and your faith is empty too" (1 Cor 15:14). "If Christ was not raised, your faith is worthless. You are still in your sins, and those who have fallen asleep in Christ are the deadest of the dead. If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of men" (1 Cor 15:17-19).
Therefore, we celebrate the risen Christ daily at Mass, by witnessing for Him, and by living radically courageous lives (see 1 Cor 15:30-31). We celebrate Jesus' resurrection weekly by focusing our whole lives on Sunday, the Resurrection Day. We celebrate the risen Christ annually in the fifty days of the Easter season – the fifty-day Sunday, the celebration of celebrations.
Through Baptism, we have been raised in company with Christ (Col 3:1; Eph 2:6). We are the resurrection-people. Rise and shine!
| PRAYER: | Father, may I think of Jesus' resurrection and mine several times a day. May this fill me with hope (1 Pt 1:3). |
| PROMISE: | Jesus "journeyed through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve accompanied Him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and maladies." –Lk 8:1-2 |
| PRAISE: | When St. Januarius and his two companions were thrown into the arena to be devoured by wild beasts, the animals wouldn't touch them, as the Lord protected them. |
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