March 27, 2008: Thursday in the Octave of Easter

Acts 3:11-26
Ps 8:2ab, 5-9
Luke 24:35-48

Are you having a resurrection experience yet?

The story in today's first reading reminds me of the time my parish received a visit from a mission priest who was advertised as a healer. Although his teachings did not focus on healing, the people did. They came in droves for miracles, and although miracles did occur, the greatest healings were those that happened inside of hearts and minds and souls. The man's reputation as a "healing priest" drew them in, but those who listened attentively discovered Jesus.

Peter said, "Why are you fascinated by this miracle, and why do you look at us as if we made this man walk by our own power or piety?" Then he refocused them on the WHO behind the miracle. The people did not initially understand — they crowded around Peter and John because they wanted to see more miracles; what they got was a message of truth about Jesus.

In our Gospel reading today, it's amazing that the disciples still thought Jesus was only a ghost, even though the women had reported seeing Jesus alive, and even though Peter and John had witnessed the empty tomb. The disciples did not initially understand what Jesus had foretold about rising from the dead. Jesus had to explain it again. After seeing the miracle in front of their faces (Jesus proved he was alive by munching on some fish), they finally started to grasp his message.

Why is it that we don't see our risen Lord everywhere and in everything until we understand the MESSAGE that he's trying to convey?

To be honest, it's because we're looking at the resurrection this way: "What's in it for me?" Spiritual truths are impossible to understand when we limit them to a self-centered view. We grasp the true message when we realize: "What's in it for God? If he's blessed, I will be blessed, too, and others besides!" Remember, Jesus didn't rise from the dead for his own sake, nor did he die for his own sake. It was a victory that blessed the Father and the whole world besides.

What don't you understand? This is where you still need an outward-focused resurrection experience.

The resurrection becomes real in our everyday lives when we stop the selfish thinking of "What's in it for me?" and start looking at how our crosses can glorify God and benefit other people. The joy of Easter comes from believing in the message of God's victory over sin and suffering and death and all other forms of evil — for your sake and others' besides.

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