< <  

Sunday, May 6, 2007

  > >

Fifth Sunday of Easter


Acts 14:21-27
Revelation 21:1-5
Psalm 145
John 13:31-35

View Readings
Similar Reflections

"because he lives"

"God will, in turn, glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him soon." —John 13:32

We're in the midst of a fifty-day Sunday, the Easter season. If we can't rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we must be dead ourselves. Because His tomb is empty, we have life to the full (Jn 10:10). "Because He lives, we can face tomorrow." For He shall wipe every tear from our eyes, "and there shall be no more death or mourning, crying out or pain, for the former world has passed away" (Rv 21:4). "This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" (2 Cor 5:17; Rv 21:5)

"Life is worth the living just because He lives." Yet, "we must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God" (Acts 14:22). Calvary is still ahead for each of us as we begin to walk the way of the cross. We are afraid and repelled by the pain and sufferings. But because He lives, we "consider the sufferings of the present to be as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us" (Rm 8:18).

Because He lives, the devil can no longer manipulate us and keep us slaves our whole lives long through the fear of death (Heb 2:15). "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Cor 15:54-55) Because He lives, we are "more than conquerors" (Rm 8:37).

Prayer:  Jesus, may I shout from the rooftops that You are alive (Lk 12:3).

Promise:  "This is how all will know you for My disciples: by your love for one another." —Jn 13:35

Praise:  Praise You, Jesus! You are alive and live forever! Because You live, we need no longer fear death, the devil, or defeat. Alleluia!

Reference:  (For a related teaching, order our tape on Jesus and Peace on audio AV 42-1 or video V-42.)

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

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.