Why does Paul insist so much on faith in the Resurrection in today’s First Reading? Why do we insist so much on faith in the Resurrection at all? The Resurrections is not just a teaching; it is a crucial event at the core of salvation history. As Paul himself recalls in his letter to the Romans (see Romans 5:12-21), death came into the world when sin came into the world; it is a consequence of sin. Death is the ultimate sentence for the crime of our sins; even when we plead ignorance for what we’ve done, we know that someday that sentence will be carried out.
With the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ we know that death does not have the last word. Christ’s Resurrection conquered sin and death. We pray in the liturgy that life does not end with death; it only changes. We believe that because of the Resurrection. Even when it seems the tide of evil swells in this world, in Christ we know that evil will not prevail. The Resurrection is proof of that, an event testified to by countless Christians down the centuries, even at the cost of their life.
Faith in the Resurrection helps us to renew our earthly life and prepare for eternity. Let’s ask Our Lord to show us today where our outlook on life could use an injection of that faith.
Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:12–20; Psalm 17:1b–d, 6–7, 8b, 15; Luke 8:1–3. See also 24th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday.