Living the Resurrection

By Joan Weber

Here we are in the first days of the Easter season. The Triduum, which took us on an incredible journey through the suffering and death of Jesus to his glorious resurrection, has ended for another year. Easter decorations have disappeared from stores and homes, and we're on to the next big "thing" in our lives. Or are we?

One thing I have learned over the years is that Resurrection is not a spectator event. The celebration of Easter is not meant as simply a remembrance of what Jesus did two thousand odd years ago. It is meant for today. We are called to live in 2007 as resurrected people. There are no more lame excuses for being weak or sinful, indifferent or jaded, mean or lazy! We have nothing left to fear. Jesus looked death-heinous, humiliating, painful death—squarely in the face and defeated it.

St. Paul, in his Letter to the Colossians, painted a picture of life for those who rise with Christ. He described the qualities of Jesus' disciples who live in the light:

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father. . . Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. . . And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. . .
(Col. 3:1, 12-15)

When I read that passage, I feel compelled to examine my life and look for clues as to how much I have taken Jesus' resurrection to heart&mdashand to life. Perhaps you would like to journey with me through a self-assessment of how much we truly are Easter people:

Am I compassionate? Does my heart go out to those who are troubled or angry, victims of hunger or war or hatred or discrimination?
Am I kind and gentle? Do I treat others as if their hearts are tender and easily bruised?
Am I humble? Do I celebrate that everything good in me and every achievement I have reached come from God?
Am I patient with others and myself?
Do I forgive others as I want God to forgive me? Do I forgive myself?
Do I love? Do I have the heart of Jesus, loving others even when they have nothing to give in return?
Am I a person of peace? Do I have inner calm because God's Spirit lives within me? Do I seek peace in my relationships and in my world?
Am I grateful? Do I thank God every day for all the gifts with which I have been blessed?

I think that if I can answer even a few of these questions with a YES, I am on my way to being an Easter person. I can celebrate my participation in the Resurrection by singing with Janet Vogt in her song Rise Up with Him:

And we'll rise up,
rise up with him, and we'll rise,
rise to new life!
And we'll rise up,
rise up with him, for with Jesus
who leads us by grace
we will rise up with him.

Let us pray for the courage and the joy to live as Easter people. Let us pray that we will rise up with Jesus to new life:

God of hope, I thank you for the gift of Easter. I thank you for Jesus, who loved me enough to suffer and die for my sinful self. I thank you for his resurrection, which teaches me the power of love and redemption. Make me more of an Easter person, and may Alleluia truly be my song. Amen.

Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.