i believe
"These have been recorded to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, so that through this faith you may have life in His name." —John 20:31
Alleluia! He is risen! Has this last week been one of the greatest weeks in your life, not because of what you've done, but because of what the risen Lord has done? Or are you still locked in the upper room with all the doubting Thomases and fearful disciples? "Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe!" (Jn 20:27)
"There is nothing to fear" (Rv 1:17). Jesus is "the First and the Last and the One Who lives" (Rv 1:17-18). He once was dead but now He lives — "forever and ever" (Rv 1:18). He is "rich in mercy" (Eph 2:4).
Respond to Him: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28) Because you believe, "many signs and wonders" will occur "among the people" (Acts 5:12). Because you believe, "more and more believers, men and women in great numbers" will be "continually added to the Lord" (Acts 5:14). Because you believe, crowds will gather, "bringing their sick" and those "troubled by unclean spirits" (Acts 5:16), all of whom will be cured (Acts 5:16).
Jesus is out of the tomb forever. Yet many parts of His body remain entombed. We must roll away the stone of doubt and come out into the glory of the risen Son. Easter is for believers. "Blest are they who have not seen and have believed" (Jn 20:29).
Prayer: "Lord, I believe; help my lack of faith" (Mk 9:24, our translation).
Promise: "On the Lord's day I was caught up in ecstasy, and I heard behind me a piercing voice like the sound of a trumpet." —Rv 1:10
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who once was dead, but now lives! (Rv 1:18)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 16, 2006
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