Episode 2017: The Power of the Resurrection: Hope and Transformation

Today's episode is all about the cornerstone of Catholicism: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Let's dive right in. Our first quote comes from Saint Athanasius of Alexandria, a powerful early Church
“Even on the cross He did not hide Himself from sight; rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its Maker. Then, having once let it be seen that it was truly dead, He did not allow that temple of His body to linger long, but forthwith on the third day raised it up, impassible and incorruptible, the pledge and token of His victory.”
what can we learn from St. Athanasius' description of the Resurrection?
St. Athanasius highlights several key points. First, Jesus' death wasn't a mere illusion. He truly died, conquering death itself. Second, His Resurrection wasn't a delayed revival, but a transformative event. His body, the "temple" of God, is raised "impassible and incorruptible." Finally, the Resurrection is a "pledge and token" of our own future victory over death.
St. Athanasius' quote from a traditional Catholic perspective:
"Even on the cross He did not hide Himself from sight": This part refers to Jesus' public crucifixion. In Catholic theology, Jesus' crucifixion is seen as a pivotal event in salvation history. Despite the agony and suffering of the cross, Jesus did not conceal his identity or his mission. Instead, he openly endured the suffering, demonstrating his obedience to the Father's will and his love for humanity.

"Rather, He made all creation witness to the presence of its Maker": This line emphasizes the cosmic significance of Christ's crucifixion. According to Catholic teaching, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross reconciled humanity with God and restored the harmony of creation that was disrupted by sin. Through his self-offering, Jesus revealed God's love for all creation and his desire to redeem it.

"Then, having once let it be seen that it was truly dead": This phrase acknowledges the reality of Jesus' death on the cross. In Catholic belief, Jesus' death was a real and complete sacrifice for the sins of humanity. By dying on the cross, Jesus atoned for human sin and opened the way to eternal life.
"He did not allow that temple of His body to linger long": This line refers to Jesus' resurrection. In Catholic theology, Jesus' resurrection from the dead is the central event of Christianity. It demonstrates his victory over sin and death and confirms his identity as the Son of God.

"But forthwith on the third day raised it up, impassible and incorruptible, the pledge and token of His victory": This final part emphasizes the transformative nature of Jesus' resurrection. According to Catholic teaching, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day in a glorified and immortal body. His resurrection is a pledge and token of victory over sin and death for all humanity. It is through Jesus' resurrection that believers are assured of their own resurrection and eternal life.

In summary, St. Athanasius' quote highlights the profound theological significance of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection from a traditional Catholic perspective. It underscores the belief in Jesus as the Savior who reconciles humanity with God and offers the promise of eternal life to all who believe in him.
Our second quote comes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
“We firmly believe, and hence we hope that, just as Christ is truly risen from the dead and lives for ever, so after death the righteous will live for ever with the risen Christ and he will raise them up on the last day. Our resurrection, like his own, will be the work of the Most Holy Trinity.”
This quote connects the Resurrection of Christ to our own hope for eternal life. Can we elaborate on that connection?
Christ's Resurrection isn't just a historical event; it's the foundation of our own hope. By conquering death, He opens the door to eternal life for all who believe. The Catechism reminds us that this is a work of the entire Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It's a divine act of love that transforms us.
It's amazing to think that such a transformative event can offer us so much hope.
We've talked about the significance of the Resurrection for our future, but how does it impact our lives today?
The hope of the Resurrection strengthens us in the face of suffering and challenges. It reminds us that this life is not the end. It also inspires us to live a Christ-like life, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences.
Living a Christ-like life... that’s what we must do daily and there in lies the struggle.
Call to Action
Before we end this episode, let read from scripture
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!...For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:33

Breakdown:
"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!" This expresses awe at God's infinite wisdom and the mystery of His plans. We can't fully understand everything He does, but we trust in His goodness.

"How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!" This reinforces the point above. God's plans are beyond our complete comprehension, but that shouldn't prevent us from trusting and following Him.

"For from him and through him and for him are all things." This verse highlights God's absolute sovereignty. Everything that exists comes from Him, is sustained by Him, and ultimately leads back to Him. This includes the act of Creation and the plan of Salvation, which culminates in the Resurrection.

"To him be glory forever. Amen." This is a doxology, a praise to God for His glory. The Resurrection is a magnificent display of God's glory - His power over death, His love for humanity, and His faithfulness to His promises.

The passage from Romans emphasizes God's unknowable wisdom and plan, which perfectly complements the idea that the Resurrection is a "pledge and token" of our own future victory over death, as stated by St. Athanasius. Even though we may not fully grasp the details, we can trust that God's plan includes eternal life for believers, just like He raised Christ from the dead.
The mention of God's absolute sovereignty connects to the hope we receive from the Resurrection. Our hope doesn't come from ourselves, but from God's power and faithfulness. He has the power to raise us from the dead, just as He raised His Son.
The Resurrection is a message of hope, a promise that God's love is stronger than death. Let this hope transform your lives and fill you the conviction to lead a good and Holy Catholic life. Until then, may the hope of the Resurrection fill your hearts with joy and peace and go out there and convert somebody. Buona Pasqua. Happy Easter.