"because he lives..."
"God is not the God of the dead but of the living. All are alive for Him." —Luke 20:38
Because of Jesus' resurrection and our coming resurrection, we see our bodies much differently than non-Christians do. We respect our bodies because they will be glorified and in heaven forever. Because of the resurrection, we Christians highly value the vocation of celibacy or virginity.
This is a prophetic witness to our life after the resurrection. Then we will no longer marry, but be as the angels (Lk 20:34-35). Because of the resurrection, we are willing to sacrifice our bodies in years of evangelization and Christian service. We are even willing to be persecuted and to die for Jesus because we know we will rise from the dead in Him (2 Mc 7:9).
Because of Jesus' resurrection, we have victory over the evil one right now. We can do all things in Him Who strengthens us (see Phil 4:13). Because of His resurrection, we are filled with hope. Death has lost its sting (1 Cor 15:55). Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (Rm 8:38-39). Our future is glorious.
"Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He Who in His great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pt 1:3).
Prayer: Jesus, may I truly celebrate Your resurrection every Sunday.
Promise: "May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, may God our Father Who loved us and in His mercy gave us eternal consolation and hope, console your hearts and strengthen them for every good work and word." —2 Thes 2:16-17
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who retained the wounds of His suffering as an eternal sign of His love for us.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Jesus the Redeemer on audio AV 50-3 or video V-50.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007
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.