Easter Thursday

The Church, a sign of the resurrection of Jesus

Luke 24:35-48

The resurrection stories are marked by a movement from disbelief to belief, confusion to clarity, and sorrow to joy.  This is the message of Jesus.  But there are profound teachings underneath the miracle of the resurrection:

First, that Jesus is the Christ foretold in the Old Testament

We are called to challenge even the little faith we have in Jesus instead of the things of this world; nourish it and make it grow.

Second, that Jesus makes possible the forgiveness of sins

Jesus would not allow men and women to die in their sins.  This is the central message of the resurrection.  Death and sin have no power over him.

Third, we are called to be witness to the resurrection of Jesus

This marks the very mission of the Church; it is the very reason of its existence - to tell the story of the resurrection and cause the resurrection of people.

In a world geared to gloom and despair, the Church rises with the power of the risen Lord to bring hope and gladness to everyone.