WHAT DOES THE RESURRECTION MEAN TO ME?
Good question and one that I have thought about and struggled with for a long time. It seems that as a matter of definition, belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is what distinguishes a Christian from a follower of Jesus. An issue that I have pondered is whether one must believe in his or her personal resurrection in order to be resurrected in spirit or however/whatever life everlasting may be or mean. Of course, belief in this context is more accurately described as faith, and we have learned that faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
Interestingly, the last phrase of the Nicene Creed states: “We look for the resurrection of the dead...” This is more a statement of hope rather than belief. But maybe concern over personal resurrection is misplaced. I understand Father Tom teaches that the resurrection of Jesus changed or provided the opportunity for entering into communion with God and our “fellow travelers.” I cannot resolve the theological fine points, but I believe the meaning of the resurrection is not that with faith we might live forever, but that being a true, constant and devoted follower of Jesus, that is to say loving God and our neighbors as ourselves, is the path to the “treasure buried in the field.” Find the treasure and your personal resurrection is at hand.
I pray that I, and all of us, may find God’s treasure in the resurrection.
Ron DeVeau
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