Sunday Reflection (April 17, 2022)

Christians believe that there is more to life than a biological existence. Indeed, the pall of death that hangs over our biological existence is overcome by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection gives us a glimpse of the ultimate future, and in particular, the resurrection of Jesus reveals that God’s love ultimately overcomes all.  The resurrection of Jesus gives us the hope of our own resurrections, and a life beyond one of this biological existence in which we find ourselves. The hope of resurrection is more than a “fire insurance,” it concerns how we live today (1 Corinthians 15:34, 48-49).

The life and teachings of Jesus give us a glimpse of what resurrection life is like in that although Jesus had all power and authority, he did not oppress anyone. He refused to return evil for evil, hatred for hatred, or punch for punch. God’s love could not be defeated by human hatred. Paul encourages us to live a life of compassion and this encouragement is not based upon fear and judgment. Rather, it is based upon the ultimate triumph of God’s love as revealed in the resurrection of Jesus. May the way we live express the hope of resurrection.