Alleluia . . . He has Risen!!!

As some of you may know I just came back from being part of a Men’s Retreat weekend. Retreats like these are always a wonderful renewal for all who are involved. One of the key parts of the experience comes at the end of the retreat are given the opportunity to share who Jesus Christ is for them.

One gentleman, in his sixties, lost his wife a few years ago and is now studying to be a priest. This individual came forward and shared with the group who Jesus was for him. Well, as you may imagine, he first thought about delivering a very heady answer but he quickly changed his mind and he spoke from his heart. He expressed that Jesus Christ is his Savior and he shared, at that moment, that he knew in his heart that his deceased wife was at peace and living with Christ. At the same time he stated that he could also hear his wife saying too him “How come you didn’t believe this sooner?” The crowd began to laugh.

His words inspired me and gave me clarity for two great Easter messages. The first message that I share is that it is never too late to believe in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sometimes in our lives it takes true moments of pain to realize the great power of the Resurrection. If it were not for the true experience of Good Friday, Easter Sunday would never exist. If it were not for the pain in our souls and the constant longing to be satisfied, our need for Jesus would cease to exist. Joy and satisfaction comes only through the knowledge and love of the Resurrection!

My second message to you is that the Resurrection is a journey of the heart and not a journey of the head. All of the great textual studies of Jesus can only bring you know of the historical Jesus. In actuality, it is the person of Jesus that we fall in love with. No book will ever explain the Resurrection like the heart that feels it will explain.

My dear friends, during this Easter season, let us renew our hearts with the love and joy of the Resurrection of Christ. Let us come to experience and share this new life given to all through the great and awesome Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Alleluia . . . He has Risen!!!

– Anonymous

April 16, 2006