Gospel of John, chapter 11:25

It is difficult for the human mind  to believe in Resurrection. It really is. Why do I say that? I make this assertion because belief in the Resurrection springs from the gift of faith, and faith is a gift; it is not something we merit on account of our own actions or rational ability.  Thus, it is fair to say that disbelief in resurrection, even among professed Christians, is not that uncommon. Resurrection means new life and we tend to fear the pain and struggle of being reborn. Resurrection challenges the status quo. It calls for change; yet resistance to change is one of our greatest fears. We tend to cling to our old ways and to our old lifestyle by rejecting the new way or lifestyle of the gospel.

Resurrection requires a death to the deadness of sameness, to routine and to the easy way out. We are called to be rejuvenated in mind and soul but we fear what it would take to be renewed. A person might like to lose weight, yet be fearful of the need to exercise regularly or to control eating habits. A father or mother may want togetherness in the family, yet be unwilling to make sacrifices to be at home. In the same way, we may desire Resurrection, but fear dying to bad habits and to selfishness. This fear is no small thing- it is faith’s greatest challenge; the need to overcome “the works of the flesh,” as Saint Paul describes the dark side of human nature. ( Galatians 5 : 19 )

It is not so difficult to believe in Jesus’ Resurrection; something that happened to Him. It is our own Resurrection that is the problem. That fear of our own Resurrection can screen us from growth in the new life to which we have been called. Jesus wants to enter into our everyday lives. He wants to establish His kingdom in our hearts so that we can know Him: “blessed are the pure of heart, they shall see God.”

Resurrection is not a past event. It is a present event. That is why we are called to live like risen people, now. We are not dead; we are not under the sentence of death; we are alive.

Can you reject fear and embrace Resurrection: Christ’s Resurrection and your own? Resurrection is a challenge, but it is a glorious challenge. With Christ, we die and are reborn for through Him we rise to new life.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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