We recognize the risen Christ when:
The beginning of a real Easter is to hear God's Word so that our hearts are burning with purifying fire (Lk 24:32). As long as God's Word is being proclaimed, we can expect that all the other aspects of recognizing the risen Christ will happen, because God's Word is not only a beginning but a catalyst. "God's word is living and effective" (Heb 4:12). It does not return empty, but achieves the end for which it was sent (Is 55:11). Therefore, if we focus on proclaiming God's Word, we can expect a chain-reaction leading to many people recognizing the risen Christ and living for Him.
This helps us understand why the early Church was preoccupied with spreading God's Word. "Day after day, both in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus the Messiah" (Acts 5:42). The apostles concentrated "on prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). "The word of God continued to spread" (Acts 6:7; see also 12:24; 19:20).
Hear, read, live, and share God's Word daily. Thus you will live the risen life and introduce many others to the risen Christ.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I spread Your Word in good times and in bad (see 2 Tm 4:2). |
| PROMISE: | "Reform your lives! Turn to God, that your sins may be wiped away! Thus may a season of refreshment be granted you by the Lord." –Acts 3:19-20 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, Jesus, my Redeemer, Rock, and Refuge! |
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