FRIDAY, EASTER OCTAVE
Acts 4: 1-12 Ps 118: 1-2,4,22-27 Jn 21: 1-14
RESURRECTION IS THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIANITY
After the gruesome suffering, crucifixion and death of Jesus, the apostles were frightened, and they lacked the courage to face the society. They ran away and hid themselves. But after the resurrection, we see a complete transformation in them. The same apostles who were once fearful became bold witnesses, proclaiming the Good News without any care of opposition, punishment and even death. This extraordinary change happened with the resurrection. It convinced them that Jesus was not merely a great teacher or a prophet, but truly the Son of God who took the form of a human to save humanity from sin. It gave them firm faith and courage. Hence, the resurrection stands as the very foundation of Christianity. It gives meaning and credibility to all the miracles and healings that Jesus performed during His earthly life.
All religions guide people toward truth in different ways and teach values. However, what makes Christianity unique is that we believe in the Person who called himself the Truth; He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” No human being in history has ever conquered death by rising from the dead, but Jesus rose from the dead and opened the way to eternal life for us through His death and resurrection. A beautiful symbol of this truth can be seen at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Mysore. In the shrine, symbols of various religions are depicted on the ceiling, and above all these symbols, the cross is placed. This depiction is a reminder that while all religions guide people toward truth and encourage harmony, salvation is found only in Jesus.
Today, there are millions of disciples of Jesus across the world because He is the true and living God. If the resurrection had not taken place, Jesus would have remained as one among many great men in history. But because He rose from the dead, He lives forever and through Him we receive forgiveness and eternal life. So let our lives too spread the Good News. Let our actions, attitudes, and way of life communicate the message of Jesus.
Response: The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
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