For much of the secular world, Easter is over now. They're back to normal life. For disciples of Jesus Christ, however, Easter means risen life is normal life. Jesus is risen! He, "the Resurrection," is now our "Life" (Jn 11:25). Now we live risen life.

What does it mean to live risen life? A good first step in learning to live risen life is to study the resurrection appearances of Jesus. The theme of mission dominates Jesus' resurrection appearances. Post-resurrection, Jesus sends His disciples out.

• "Go and carry the news" (Mt 28:10).
• "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations" (Mt 28:19). Go and "feed my lambs" (Jn 21:15).
• "Go into the whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation" (Mk 16:15).
• "Penance for the remission of sins is to be preached to all the nations...You are witnesses of this" (Lk 24:47-48).
• "Go to My brothers and tell them" (Jn 20:17).
• "As the Father has sent Me, so I send you" (Jn 20:21).
• "You are to be My witnesses...to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).

In the Emmaus appearance, Jesus never mentions mission. Instead, He celebrates Mass, a word meaning "sent." The disciples get the message, for after Mass, they immediately hit the road and spread the good news (Lk 24:33).

How do we live risen life? We start by telling people about Jesus.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 16, 2006

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