When the apostles saw the risen Christ on the evening of His
resurrection, "they thought they were seeing a ghost". Because of
their fear and their lack of faith he didn’t seem real. Their fear and lack of faith kept them from
experiencing the Real Presence of Jesus in their midst.
Jesus tried to prove He was real by showing them His hands
and feet, inviting them to touch Him, and eating a piece of fish.
Why does Jesus seem so unreal to so many people in our
modern culture? We are often so quick to
label those in previous generations as “out of touch”. Yet, it is our culture that is addicted to escaping
from reality, using alcohol, drugs, TV, promiscuity, video games, computer
games, mind-games, etc.
Many live in a world of fleeting emotions without an anchor
in objective truth. Many pretend that
they'll live forever and never face Judgment Day.
In a world so out of touch with reality, it's understandable
that the risen Christ may seem to be a ghost.
One of the themes of the Easter season is “the strengthening
of our faith”. Another way of saying
that is “getting in touch with reality.”
Jesus is truly risen! He is truly
present in the Eucharist. He leads us to
real truth when we study His words and teachings in Scripture.
This is a great time of the liturgical year to do a bible
study or pick up your copy of the Catechism.
To combat the unrealities of our culture and to lead people to truth we
need to be intimately knowledgeable of Jesus who is Truth itself.
Jesus shows himself to his friends, he opens their minds to
understand the Scriptures and he says, “You are witnesses of these things.” May this Easter season be a time of joyful
encounter with the risen Christ and increased faith for all of us, that we may
be more effective witnesses for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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