Christ Our Hope Catholic Church
Faith in Laity Corner
Year 1/Cycle A
Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-9
Monday, April 17, 2017
Resurrection of Our Lord
Resurrection Shoes
We can all identify or think about a time when we bought ‘new shoes’. It begins with- we like the style,
then try them on, if the price works and they are the right color, material and in fashion; we may buy them. Often
times these new shoes are not always as comfortable when you reach and try them on at home. What does shoes
have to do with EASTER and the Resurrection? Well, let us examine this. It is like our faith, some of us buy an
uncomfortable shoe- but grow into it. Others buy a comfortable shoe and always wear it. Still others, buy a good
and expensive shoe, wear it once and never again.
This Easter 2017 we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, who suffered for us, died and rose again.
Why? Jesus did no wrong, His 3-year ministry was to do good for everyone.
“He went about doing good and healing all those
oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38)
Yet, few of us ever paused during Holy Week to reflect on the suffering which was imposed upon Jesus, so that
His death became a ransom for us all. In modern times technology has been able to create simulations and with
the use of forensic sciences, we can now suggest to what extent crucifixion impacted the human body. Jesus’
suffering began in the Garden of Gethsemane, where due to the mental stress of the upcoming ordeal, caused
Him to sweat drops of blood. God did not show His only begotten Son any favoritism, the price to be paid was
set, and
“God shows no partiality.” (Act 10:34)
The scourging of Jesus would have removed flesh and muscle, which would have been torn; the crown of thorns
each at least 2 inches long were stuck around His whole head. The crossbar of the wood Jesus carried weighed at
least 110 lbs. Finally, in agony Jesus is left to die, with every breathe causing pain.
“They put him to death by hanging him on a tree.” (Act 10:39)
I need not go further, but to help us realize that Good Friday was the last act of love and selfless devotion for the
COH/2017- Easter
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price to be paid for our salvation.
The understanding of what Jesus suffered physically, made the scene at the tomb entrance early Sunday
most remarkable. The woman who assisted in the burial of Jesus would have to question as she saw His broken
and bruised body, wrapped in the linen cloth. She could not come to terms with the fact that after finally trying to
put closure to what had just occurred. She runs in haste to Peter and the others to say in panic:
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we don’t know where they put him.” (Jn.20:2)
The sudden realization that ‘our Lord’ who was put to rest, cannot be found. What would she tell His mother?
How to explain to His Apostles? Who is guilty of this? Will there ever be ‘closure’? The men rushed to the tomb
and find things as was stated. Where is He?
Where is the risen Lord for you? We walked the 40 days of Lent, celebrated the Easter Triduum and now
reached the resurrection. Every celebration of the Resurrection is for our live like a new pair of shoes!! Do we
wear Him as new shoes? Indeed, some shoes may be good for dressing out, but can cause pain with regular use?
Is your risen Lord, out and about in your daily life and no stranger to you- you find comfort in your shoes? Is the
risen Lord a good idea, when suggested by others; but the stress of Jesus shoes, though fashionable, does not fit
into one’s life style. Finally, maybe the resurrection is the new shoes which would remain in the box on a shelf,
not a part of your life’s choice, probably later but not now! As we proclaim with joy the Resurrection of Our
Lord Jesus Christ, we are sensitive and acknowledge the pain of the price He paid. Then we have to review our
personal policy on new shoes. What is your resurrection ‘shoe policy’ for 2017?
***********
Let us pray and voice that our arms of generosity reach the thousands starving in
South Sudan, Somalia.
Yemen by God’s grace we will avert a disaster. Below is a link for donations.
https://secure.crs.org/site/Donation2?8802.donation=form1&df_id=8802&gclid=
COvbwo7T49ICFYI9gQodXQ8MMw
Faith in Laity Corner is a weekly review of Sunday’s readings written by
Brenda Chee Wah, a parishioner of Christ Our Hope Catholic Church
Lithonia, Georgia.
Available now on the Parish App. and webpage
http://www.christourhopeatl.org/becoming-a-catholic/christ-our-hope-catholic-church-weeklyreflections.php
Your remarks, questions and comments can be emailed to [email protected]
Scriptures: www.usccb.org
COH/2017- Easter
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COH/2017- Easter
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