Jesus is Alive

“Jesus is Alive”

Matthew 28: 1-10

                Throughout the season of Lent we focused these

reflections on the scene at the cross where Jesus was crucified. Jesus died and was buried. But the most important thing to remember is that He lives again. And through his resurrection we who believe in this mystery this love sacrifice often forget why Jesus experienced this. He did this so that we might have life and have it more abundantly. He died so that we might live more abundantly. He died so that we might live eternally. But do we get ‘it’?  the gift of an abundant life? Or do we merely nod and say Amen and continue on to the next exciting thought about Jesus?

Alive—this is an amazing concept—he was dead, buried entombed. Guards were posted at the sealed tomb and yet over 2000 years later we are still talking about the Son of God, Jesus. Stories about faith are broadcast on national television because Jesus death and resurrection are still the focus of many.  But do we really understand what his life is about for us now?

We recently watched again, Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” on dvd even though it was broadcast on TLN. This amazing movie should never have been a box office hit as it is a tragedy, acted out in time sequence and flashback, using an ancient language and very little dialogue with subtitles. The flogging scene was overwhelming and the blood was extreme. But when the sky grew dark we knew the story had come to its climax, or did it?

Seeing the visual recreation of this story puts the human touch on Jesus but when one single tear falls to the earth do we understand the impact of God’s touch in the world. Do we understand that Jesus’ death really did make a difference in human history?

We call ourselves an Easter people but are we really willing to live for Christ? Are we really taking to heart Jesus’ teachings and do we understand God in our lives on a daily basis. Easter is marked as one day on the calendar but it is a lifetime response to the gift of life Jesus brings. Are we understanding this gift? Or are we continuing to search for it?

PRAYER

Loving God we praise you for raising to life Jesus Your Son, our Saviour. Through his resurrection we receive new life, new hope and the embrace of your loving Spirit. We are Easter people—sharing in hope for eternity and looking to share our love with others. Be with us we pray as we continue to learn to live and love like Jesus now and always. Amen.