We have been given the greatest treasure: eternal life in Jesus, Who is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25), our Lord, Savior, and God. Because we have been given the greatest treasure – eternal life through faith – we have the greatest responsibility. "When much has been given a man, much will be required of him" (Lk 12:48).
If we love people, we must tell those in our culture of death that death has lost its power (see Rm 6:9), victory, and sting (1 Cor 15:54-55). Jesus promised: "I solemnly assure you, an hour is coming, has indeed come, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who have heeded it shall live" (Jn 5:25). People no longer need be enslaved by the fear of death (Heb 2:15), "for an hour is coming in which all those in their tombs shall hear His voice and come forth" (Jn 5:28). This is the greatest news, and in love we must shout from the housetops (Mt 10:27) that Jesus' name is above every name, even the name of death (see Phil 2:9).
This Easter, let us renew our baptismal promises and be witnesses for the risen Christ (Acts 1:8). Walking in faith (2 Cor 5:7) and compelled by love (2 Cor 5:14), let us share the greatest treasure with a spiritually impoverished world. Jesus is risen! We can rise in Him! "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54). Proclaim the greatest news!
| PRAYER: | Father, may I be willing to die so that others may live with You forever. |
| PROMISE: | "Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." –Is 49:15 |
| PRAISE: | Maria prays for all of her godchildren daily. |
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