1. — The Resurrection. - The Bellarmine Forum

The Resurrection.

Read 1 Cor. xv. 20-25.

[20] But now Christ is risen from the dead, the first-fruits of them that sleep:

[21] For by a man came death, and by a man the resurrection of the dead. [22] And as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive. [23] But every one in his own order: the first-fruits Christ, then they that are of Christ, who have believed in his coming. [24] Afterwards the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God and the Father, when he shall have brought to nought all principality, and power, and virtue. [25] For he must reign, until he hath put all his enemies under his feet.

1. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the Sacred Soul of Jesus returned to quicken once more the body that lay lifeless in the tomb, and He rose again from the dead. It was but the commencement of the third day since His crucifixion; but His love for His sorrowing friends made Him abridge the time, that He might hasten to console them in their sorrow. He still has the same loving thoughtfulness for His friends. It is still His chief desire to make those happy who love Him.

2. His Sacred Body passed through the tomb noiselessly and without stirring the huge stone that had been placed thereto make His resurrection impossible. Oh, foolish devices of men, how utterly futile against the will of God! In one moment He can burst every bond that human malice or human ingenuity can contrive! He that dwells in the heaven shall laugh at them, and the Lord shall deride them.

3. See Him glorious in His Divine Beauty, rising from the tomb! What unspeakable joy and happiness in that face, so lately marred by our sins, so lately pale, and sad, and sorrowful! Never was there joy on earth like that of Jesus when He rose again! I will rejoice with Him today, I will forget my own troubles and sorrows, and give myself to an unselfish joy in the Resurrection of my King and my God.