PODCAST - Press sideways triangle below to
listen
Wednesday
Octave of Easter
St. Luke’s
Institute
April 8, 2013
RISING FROM THE DEAD?
++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
We speak of Jesus as “rising
from the dead”
Ø
This description gives impression J in control of situation & rose
by own power
Ø
There is truth in this perspective
Ø
Jesus is Son of God, that he’s G & divine, he could rise by
his own power
BEING
RAISED FROM THE DEAD? ++++++++++++++
Ø
Yet, today’s Gospel & other passages this week use a different
expression
Ø
Disciples in Jerusalem say to 2 disciples coming from Emmaus, “The Lord has truly been raised”
Ø
On Easter, R 1st rdg was Peter’s homily and in it said,
“This man God raised on the third day”
Ø
So, why this expression? What’s going on here?
Ø
If we speak of J “rising
from the dead,” we set J’ suffering & passion apart fr R own
Ø
We posit Jesus as completely in control
Ø
But in R pain, suffering, & death, we’re powerless & not
in control
RISING
OR RAISED? +++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
So, when Scriptures carefully speak of J being “raised” by G, they’re not denying J’
real identity or power.
Ø
In fact, Peter has been testifying to J’ power of healing &
power over life itself
Ø
What Scriptures are conveying is that J identified w/ us so fully & completely assumed our humanity even he
felt powerless & afraid when confronting pain & suffering
Ø
Even Jesus, instead of relying on own inner resources, trusted in
power of the F 2B w/ him thru it all & 2 raise him up
CONCLUSION
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø
So expressions, like “The
Lord has truly been raised” convey J’s complete solidarity w/ us in the
powerlessness of pain, suffering, & death
Ø
& they convey Js’ invitation 2 do what he did:
Ø
2 entrust ourselves to love of G 2 sustain & raise us up to
life eternal
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
