Resurrection is on the debate table again in theological circles. No statement or dogma can prove faith. Godís gift is in the believing. However, faith is active and alive, always requiring new leaps and steady involvement. Beyond believing that Jesus Christ rose from the dead, what is resurrection in ordinary lives?
First, it is emptiness; it follows death and all the fears wrapped up in the burial shroud. Emptiness circles our souls and leaves us fearful, doubting, and anxious.
While the women walked to the tomb, they wondered how the large stone could be moved.
From fear of things too big for us, deliver us, Lord.
When the disciples heard from the women that Jesus was alive, they did not believe.
From doubts about your presence, deliver us, Lord.
But Mary stayed outside the empty tomb weeping.
From the anguish of your absence, deliver us, Lord.
And Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, I will not believe."
From the need to be certain, deliver us, Lord.
Experiencing emptiness, we move to search. We miss our Lord and we must find him again. The search consumes us, impassions us, propels us.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid. Why do you seek him among the dead?"
Among the living, we search for you, Lord.
Peter got up and ran to the tomb.
With running feet, we search for you, Lord.
On the road to Emmaus, their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
In darkness and blindness, we search for you, Lord.
Mary cried that they had taken her Lord and she didnít know where he was.
In confusion and ignorance, we search for you, Lord.
Only in his presence is the search ended. Yes, it is the Lord; it is the one for whom we long.
While the two were walking and talking on the road home, Jesus drew near and walked with them.
In our daily meetings, we see you, Lord.
Their eyes were opened when Jesus broke bread with them.
In Eucharist, we see you, Lord
While they were speaking about him, Jesus stood there and said, "Peace be with you."
In peace, we see you, Lord.
Jesus came to those first disciples to gather them back into being a community of friends. Community always is a sign of resurrection.
Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing," They said, "We also will come with you."
In the tasks of each day, we celebrate as family your presence among us.
The two returning from Emmaus told how they knew Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
In Eucharist, we celebrate as family your presence with us.
Jesus said, "Come have breakfast." None dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They realized it was the Lord.
At meals, we celebrate as family your presence with us.
Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee and they will see me.
Whenever we gather, we celebrate as family your presence among us.
Finally, to believe in resurrection is go out to proclaim the person of Christ is alive and with us until the end of time. How can we keep from singing?
When some returned to tell the others, they still didn't believe.
To those who doubt your power to love is stronger than hate, we proclaim your rising, Lord.
Mary went and said to the Apostles, "I have seen the Lord."
Because we have seen with our own eyes, we proclaim your rising, Lord
Jesus breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven and whose sins you retain are retained."
As agents of reconciliation to the whole world, we proclaim your rising, Lord.
"Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep."
Seeking the lost, we proclaim your rising, Lord.
Resurrection is hard work. It is gift beyond comprehension and responsibility beyond our abilities. That why we have the Risen Christ. It is his work and our joy to share in it. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
(This column originally appeared in The Providence Visitor)
