i believe into easter
"He and his whole household thereupon became believers." —John 4:53
Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would create new heavens and a new earth (Is 65:17), but he never dreamed of life eternal in heaven. He prophesied all would live to be well over a hundred years old (Is 65:20), but never imagined we would live forever. The Lord has promised more than we can ever ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20). "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it so much as dawned on man what God has prepared for those who love Him" (1 Cor 2:9).
This Easter, we will be graced to enter more deeply into this risen, everlasting life of heaven. Because risen life is far beyond our limited experience, we will have to walk by faith not by sight (2 Cor 5:7) in order to live this new life. We must put our faith "in the word" Jesus has spoken to us and start for our heavenly home (see Jn 4:50).
On almost every day in the next three weeks before Easter, the Church reads to us from the Gospel of John. Although all Scripture will help us grow in faith (see Rm 10:17), John's Gospel was written specifically "to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, so that through this faith you may have life in His name" (Jn 20:31). In these next three weeks, immerse yourself in John's Gospel, and grow in faith. By faith, you will live the risen life this Easter as never before. Easter is for believers. Believe; grow in faith.
Prayer: Father, increase my faith (Lk 17:5).
Promise: "Return home. Your son will live." —Jn 4:50
Praise: Jesus used a sales pitch for cemetery plots to get Susan to think about where she would be after death, and to draw her back to Himself.
Reference: (As an aid to reading John's Gospel, order our Simple Reading Guide to John & Revelation.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, August 1, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 6, 1996