We recognize the risen Christ when:

• Jesus opens our "minds to the understanding of the Scriptures."
• Jesus breaks bread with us (Lk 24:35), that is, gives Himself to us in Holy Communion.
• we receive the Holy Spirit in a new Pentecost.
• we witness for Jesus (see Acts 1:8; Lk 24:48).

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.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, October 9, 1998

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 17, 1998