The risen Christ appeared to his disciples many times.
Jesus wanted to assure his disciples that resurrection is
for real. More than words, Jesus showed them his wounded hands, his wounded feet. Jesus showed them his pierced side. Jesus ate with them. Jesus wanted them to touch him, to touch his body scarred by
the crucifixion. The risen Lord is the crucified Lord. Resurrection is more
than news. It is not rumor. Resurrection is for real. Our
God is a living God.
And so we ask ourselves:
How real is resurrection for us today? How do we see resurrection? Are we able to touch
resurrection?
I know of a parish volunteer who lost both of her parents in
a span of two years. While mourning for the loss of her parents, she was
diagnosed with cancer. She had to undergo chemotherapy. And as if this is not
enough, while undergoing chemo, their house got burned. What a tragedy? I could
have understood her if she began to question God, to question her faith. I could
have understood her if she asked for a leave in her parish work. Mag-lay low muna. Hindi muna magserve. Maglaan muna ng panahon
para sa sarili.
But, no, I never heard her complain. I never heard her
question God. She never stopped serving the parish, spending time in prayer and
offering her time to help the needy. Every time I asked her how is everything
she would always say: May awa ang Diyos,
Father.
Resurrection is our refusal to give in to despair and
hopelessness even when we are faced with burdens that seem too heavy to carry.
Resurrection is our rejection of cynicism, negativity and bitterness even when
illness, loss and separation beset us. Resurrection is our continued trust in
goodness and grace even when things happen not according to our plans and
expectations. Resurrection is our persistence to remain warm, kind and
hospitable even when we have a just cause for hatred.
The living God is for real. Resurrection is for real. Look
at your heart. Look at your life. Do you see resurrection?
