living the change
"We should then be exposed as false witnesses of God." —1 Corinthians 15:15
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the central event in our faith. Our response to Jesus' Resurrection makes a total difference in the world around us. If we do not live as a risen people, living a risen life to the full (Jn 10:10), whose entire existence is transformed, then we look no different from those in the world.
Satan couldn't stop Jesus from rising from the dead. So now Satan and his demons are reduced to trying to stop people from living the risen life in Christ. If he can get them to stop living "the radical newness of [their] Christian life that comes from Baptism" (Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, 10, Pope St. John Paul II), Satan has accomplished much of his objective. When Christians live a listless, faithless life, the world sees that resurrection makes no practical difference and decides that this life is all there is.
However, when we Christians allow the Resurrection of Jesus to pierce our hearts, encounter the risen Jesus, receive the Holy Spirit, and change our lifestyles to be risen, the change cannot be hidden. The world may not believe, but they will not be able to miss the joy and the changes. In Jesus, we renounce extra-marital sex, greed for money, and sinful pleasures. We radiate joy, love, peace, and courage. The world will come to believe if we live like we believe in Jesus risen.
Prayer: Father, may I "rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:8).
Promise: "As it is, Christ is now raised from the dead." —1 Cor 15:20
Praise: Once opposed for his teaching, St. Cornelius preached that repentant sinners should be re-instated in the Sacraments.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016
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