Resurrection “If Christ has not been raised, then empty too is our preaching; empty, too, your faith.” -1 Cor 15:14

Mark 16:1-8 Emphasis on empty tomb

Stresses God’s power & majesty Matthew 28:1-20 Stresses God’s power & majesty

Luke 24 Highlights Risen Jesus alive in the Word of God and the breaking of the bread

John 20-21 Focuses on Jesus’ commission to the leaders to continue His work of reconciliation and love

Only actual resurrection description Gospel of Peter 9-10 Only actual resurrection description

Why are there differences? Diversity in genuine accounts support the reality of an actual Resurrection (If fabricated, wouldn’t evangelists have taken greater care to have a consistent report?)

Agreed Upon Resurrection Details Took place early in the morning on the 1st day of the week

Agreed Upon Resurrection Details Women were present at tomb, esp. Mary Magdalene

Agreed Upon Resurrection Details Empty tomb = essential sign of Resurrection = first step in acknowledging that something happened (no corpse ever found)

Agreed Upon Resurrection Details Messenger/ Messengers who spoke to women at the tomb; message given

Appearances to Disciples Life-changing Frightened, confused, and disappointed disciples were transformed into bold courageous witnesses

Appearances to Disciples Hard to recognize Not expected to come back to life Resurrected body shone with God’s glory -- recognized Lord’s words of peace, instruction, reassurance

Appearances to Disciples A personal encounter with Jesus (not empty tomb) bring about faith Faith & love = discipleship; NOT rank, wealth, position, prestige, one’s sex, or power

Appearances to Disciples NOT a ghost Ate fish, breakfast Wounds could be touched … but not bound by laws of physics DIFFERENT VERSION OF BODY

Theological Meaning of the Resurrection

Theological Meaning Jesus’ human body was gloriously transfigured, filled with HS, into incorrupt, perfect, immortal body

1st R of Resurrection REVEALS God’s (Father’s) justification of Jesus’ mission and ministry on earth

2nd R of Resurrection REPAIRS our relationship with God

3rd R of Resurrection RENEWS humanity by redefining sin, suffering, and death

4th R of Resurrection RESTORES our future by offering hope for our own resurrection and the resurrection of all humankind

Paschal Mystery Christ’s death frees us from slavery to sin, death, and suffering Christ’s resurrection opens the way to a new life

In His Body In the Church In Sacraments

In Baptism We are formed in the image of the Resurrected Christ

In Confirmation Holy Spirit strengthens us with spiritual gifts to live like Christ

In Reconciliation We experience the Lord’s forgiveness

In Anointing of the Sick We experience the Lord’s healing / peace-giving touch

In Holy Orders A man is entrusted with responsibility to live a loving life of Christ’s service

In Matrimony We receive Christ’s help in living a loving life of service to another – spouse & children

*** In Eucharist *** During Mass, Christ continues to speak to us Risen Lord comes to us under form of bread & wine – body & blood We become Christ for the other – poor, powerless, suffering, lonely

“Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again” Continues to come again Will come again in 2nd Coming