“Why do you seek the living one among the dead?” (Lk 24:5)
These iconic words of the angels to the pious women who went to the tomb on Easter morn summarize the core of our Easter faith, that Jesus is the “Living One.” On Easter Day and throughout the Easter Season we continue to proclaim our firm belief that Jesus is alive. That proclamation, though, leads to another important question. If Jesus is alive, where does he live? And the truth is that Jesus lives in many places, in many ways.
Jesus lives in heaven, now sharing the eternal glory of the Holy Trinity. “Jesus Christ, the head of the Church, precedes us into the Father’s glorious kingdom so that we, the members of his Body, may live in the hope of one day being with him forever.” (CCC #666)
Jesus lives in the Church, which is his Body; the Church that he established to continue his sacred mission on earth. Whenever we participate in the life of the Church, therefore, we encounter the Living Christ.
Jesus lives in the witness of missionaries, in priests and religious, in all those involved in apostolic work, for they leave everything to cling to Jesus, follow him and proclaim the life-giving message of his Gospel.
Jesus lives in Christian families who, strengthened by the sharing of life and love, navigate the trials and turmoil of the world, and thus become “holy families” with Jesus at the center of their homes.
Jesus lives in those who suffer in any way – those who are poor, hungry, homeless or ill; the addicted, the abused, the incarcerated; the immigrant and the refugee; for Jesus taught that we would meet him, “in the least of his brothers and sisters.”
Jesus lives in the Holy Eucharist, truly his own Body and Blood, the most precious of gifts he gave to the Church at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday; the Eucharist that is God’s abiding presence among his people as they continue their earthly pilgrimage.
And, finally, Jesus lives in the tabernacle of your own heart, for Jesus said, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” (Jn 14:23)
Something to think about: Jesus lives in many places and in many ways. We have only to open our eyes to see him.
(May you and your loved ones have a blessed and joyful Easter Day and Easter Season! With great affection and gratitude, you will be in my thoughts and prayers!)
