TESTIMONY OF YOUR RESURRECTION

"For forty days after his death he appeared to them many times in ways that proved beyond doubt that he was alive. They saw him, and he talked with them about the Kingdom of God." (Acts 1:3).

Easter is a period of forty days - beginning from Easter Sunday to Ascension Thursday,- which is observed by the Church to help Christians experience the Resurrection of Christ in them so that they, too, may testify to their resurrection by their lives. This post recalls how Christ gave testimonirs of his Resurrection, and discusses how believers may experience his Resurrection in their own lives. Finally the believers' testimony of their Resurrection is what would fulfill their desires and hopes for a brighter and better future. Follow me; you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. (John 8:32). 

1. EASTER  

In the season of Easter the liturgical colors of the Church change from purple (typical of Lent) to white and golden yellow - which symbolize the light and glory of God. This is the image of a new life of transfiguration in Christ, which we are called to live and to testify. 

The Bible readings for this season are chosen to tell Christians the many ways and occasions in which (1)Jesus testified to his disciples and Apostles thst he was, indeed, risen and alive, and (2) the Apostles and disciples of Christ testified to the world that they were risen with Christ - that is to say, Jesus was alive and working in, and through, them. 

These testimonies of Christ and the early Christians are intended to inspire and to motivate the Christians of today  to also live their experiences of the Resurrection and to testify to world (Colossians 3:3-4). These testimonies would have three benefits: (1)  help Christians to obtain the spiritual and temporary rewards of the Resurrection (2) help lukewarm and unfaithful Christians to live their faith in full, and (3) convert pagans to unbelievers. 

2. CHRIST'S TESTIMONY  

THE STIGMATA TESTIFIED OF THE RISEN CHRIST 

"A week later the disciples were together again indoors, and Thomas was with them. The doors were locked, but Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands; then reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop your doubting, and believe!” Thomas answered him, 'My Lord and my God" Jesus said to him, "Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me"  (John 20:26-29). 

After his Resurrection from the dead Jesus wanted his disciples to see and to believe that he was, indeed, risen and alive forever. His interactions with Thomas also point out to the fact that, as Easter Christians, we no longer need to see signs before we believe. Instead, we have to believe in order to see the signs and wonders of the Resurrection. That is why - after boosting their faith - the following scripture says "In his disciples' presence Jesus performed many other miracles which are not written in this book" (John 20:30)

3. EXPECTATIONS  

Following the lentern observance all faithful Christians hope for dramatic changes in the conditions of their lives. In the minds of the believers, therefore, Easter is very much associated with success, healing, prosperity, restoration, achievement, and fulfillment of their plans, wishes and desires for a better life. 

Just as the dreams are many so, too, their expectations are high. But to expect change before your testimony is like putting the cart before the horse. In other words, it is the testimony of your own resurrection that will drive you towards the future you hope for or to experience the changes you expect in your life. 

4. BELIEVER'S TESTIMONY  

During Easter, therefore, the people of God are called to imitate and to live the life of Christ in his virtues of faith, hope and love (for which he suffered and died to save us), compassion, charity, humility, obedience, forgiveness, fidelity, prayer and sacrifice. 

On the other hand, we have, also, to turn away from all sinful acts such as hatred, jealousy, envy, evil passions, lust, blackmail, falsehood, false witness, sexual immorality, indecency, greed, anger, gossip, cheating, pride, vengeance and all that God forbids. "Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him" (Colossians 3:6).

But the ability to live and to testify to your own resurrection (or to the Resurrection of Christ in you) is not human but of God. In fact, it is by the graces of the mortification of the flesh and its passions, detachment from the world and worldly desires, and the love of God and neighbor, that we are able to live and to testify of our resurrection in Christ Jesus. So if you went through Lent without Lent going through you, it may well happen that you will also go through Easter without Easter going through you. This is evident because mortification, detachment and love are graces we tap from our lentern observance, and which enable us to testify to the Resurrection at Easter and beyond.

5. FULFILLMENT   

THANKS FOR YOUR DONATIONS TO SUPPORT CATHOLIC FRONT MEDIA 

In your resurrection with Christ you may still face the ordinary and extraordinary trials of life. But these trials can no longer take away your peace or joy. The signs of your death to sin bear a timeless testimony or indelible mark of your conversion to Christ. So no matter what happens you have the peace of Christ in you (John 20:26). And as you show signs of your resurrection like Jesus showed his stigmata (signs of his Crucifixion) to his disciples, then will follow your recognition, success and promotion,  in the material and spiritual domains of your life.  

Jesus wanted and expected his Apostles and disciples to  believe in the Resurrection, so he gave them the testimony that made them to believe. In the same way;  if want God to favor and bless you, employers to acknowledge and promote you, bachelors to date and marry you, society to recognize and honor you - you have to give them the testimony of your love of God, of your performance at work, of your suitable wife-to-be, and of your honor to others. This is just how the testimony of your resurrection would fulfill your hopes in Jesus Christ's  own Resurrection, and in accordance with God's will. And the greatest hope is to be raised - with Christ - after death to eternal life in heaven. 

May your Easter expectations and hope in the final Resurrection be met as you read, meditate, live and share this post; Amen. 

Author: Aying Godman, is a Catechist, Evangelist & Blogger of the Roman Church; Founder of CATHOLIC FRONT MEDIA™ Email: ayinggodman@gmail.com 

Copyright (c) Aying Godman - Catholic Front Media (2021-2022) All rights reserved