Filled with Joy and Amazed

In today’s (Thursday) gospel, the disciples are with the resurrected Jesus.  One line that caused me to stop and reflect as I read it is, “While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” (Luke 24:41).  Although the disciples were startled by His presence and a bit hesitant, they experienced joy and amazement that the risen Lord was standing before them.  Are we too filled with joy and amazement by the resurrection of Jesus?  We should be.

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything.  And without it, our faith means nothing.  The resurrection is what gives us hope and gives meaning to our lives.  And this should be cause for us to lead lives marked by joy and a sense of amazement, not just on Easter Sunday, but as we continue throughout the Easter season and every week after.

We must allow the resurrection to change and transform our lives.  The disciples went forward and continued to be witnesses for Christ.  And we too must be witnesses to Christ and to what He has done in our lives.  Because of the resurrection, we can share the reason for our hope, joy, and faith with others.

The resurrection of Jesus should change the way we live.  It helps us to focus on the power and glory of God, instead of the sins, weaknesses, and problems in the world.  The reality that Jesus defeated sin and death by rising from the dead should inspire in us a desire to share this good news by our words and actions.
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Today, and every day, may we continue to be filled with joy and amazed by Christ’s resurrection!