We see today that Jesus not only predicts his passion and death but also says, “and after three days to rise again.” Peter focuses on the suffering that Jesus undergoes, and he and the disciples ignore this part of what Jesus says because they can make no sense of it. True to Jesus’ words, resurrection is what happens, and Jesus fulfils his mission to redeem Creation. The pattern of the cross and death and resurrection is woven into our lives.
God the Father raised Jesus from the dead in the power of the Holy Spirit. What happens to Jesus as “the first-born from the dead” (Col 1:18) is our gift too, because God raises us from the dead in the same power of the Holy Spirit. Death and daily ‘dyings’ and sufferings have no more power over us – they are overcome by the power and abundant graces of our Triune God. Jesus has connected heaven and earth. Nothing “will be able to come between us and the love of God, known to us in Christ
Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39)
We can now live the gifts of our resurrection life! What is resurrection life and how do we live it? Our invitation and joy are to participate in bringing God’s work to birth by imitating Jesus in loving service. It is in the participation in God’s loving plan for the world that we come to intimate unity with God both on this side and the other side of death, and so save our lives. Our motivation is not the reward or punishment but the love of our gracious God. May we live this hope!
What is my motivation for my living out the purpose of my life? How will I live resurrection life today?
