He has been raised; he is not here. –Mark 16.6b
As Christians, we’ve been called/described by different
names throughout history. In the early Church we were
referred to as those of “the Way” (Acts 24.14), and today in some parts of the world as “people of the Book.”
Does this mean that we are just a people who go about following a set of moral codes and Biblical obligations? Or, as some would suggest, that we’re called only to live a good and moral life? No, there’s more to it.
When we call ourselves Christians, we are saying that we are disciples of Jesus, the Christ. We call ourselves Minnesotans or Americans, since we live in this state and country, and therefore we abide by the laws of these lands. When we call ourselves Christians, we are saying that we are part of Jesus’ family, we are his people. Ultimately, we are saying that we abide in him and all that he has called us to. Being Christian means our faith is based entirely on Jesus: the Bible, the Traditions, Social Teachings, Sacraments, liturgies, etc.
Jesus is the head of our house, and to be his disciple means to believe in him and to follow in his ways. Ultimately, however, he calls us to go further and become like him. Seems like a tall order, right? Yes, but the beauty of this is that he already knows that it will be difficult, especially when we live in this broken but beautiful world.
During Holy Week, this most sacred time of the year, Jesus shows us how to carry the cross, how to live in this world full of trial and tribulation. God Himself would become flesh in Jesus to show us how to live with excellence, righteousness,
virtuously, and be God-fearing (to love our God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength). He shows and tells us that we cannot run away from the cross, but teaches us how to carry the crosses we face in life with dignity, patient endurance, and deep trust in the Father. He also promises that we will, in turn, will receive something greater.
As this past year has shown us, the cross can be heavy. However, when we keep in mind that we are a Sunday people, living in a Good Friday world*, we recall the promise that when we abide in Jesus, no amount of suffering can take away the peace and joy he will give us. And can we still experience peace and joy while suffering? Yes. You betcha. Absolutely. Jesus is eternal life, he who shows us that suffering and death does not get the final word, but that he does.
Brothers and sisters, live your life always remembering that we are called to be like Jesus. Not just following rules and laws, but living them out every day of our lives. Through that, will we find our true nature and our identity as beloved sons and daughters made in the image and likeness of God.
*Original line, “We are a Resurrected people, living in a Good Friday world.”
Happy Easter!
-Fr. Peter
