Daily Retreat 09/18/08
2008 Sep 18 Thu: Ordinary Weekday
1 Cor 15: 1-11/ Ps 117(118): 1b-2. 16ab-17. 28/ Lk 7: 36-50
From today’s readings: “I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried; that He was raised on the third day .... Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.... Who is this who even forgives sins? ”
The Resurrection
Chapter 15 of the First Letter to the Corinthians is probably the most important theological reflection on the significance of the Resurrection, so it’s crucial to read the whole chapter. In the opening verses (today’s first reading), Paul reminds us of that part of history “of first importance” to all Christians: “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried; that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures....”
There’s a real temptation to lose sight of this nucleus of our Christian faith, effectively demoting Christianity to a mere life philosophy or ethical system. While Christianity certainly incorporates robustly coherent philosophy and the most ennobling ethical system, it is much more than that, being grounded in the historical person of Jesus Christ, who “died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures... was buried; [and] was raised on the third day....”
Because of His Resurrection, Christ continues to be active and present. It is the grace of God that has enlightened us with the Christian faith, and when we respond to His grace (so that, as Paul says, the grace is not ineffective!), the faith living in us transforms us, those around us, and indeed the whole world!
1 Cor 15: 1-11/ Ps 117(118): 1b-2. 16ab-17. 28/ Lk 7: 36-50
From today’s readings: “I handed on to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried; that He was raised on the third day .... Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.... Who is this who even forgives sins? ”
The Resurrection
Chapter 15 of the First Letter to the Corinthians is probably the most important theological reflection on the significance of the Resurrection, so it’s crucial to read the whole chapter. In the opening verses (today’s first reading), Paul reminds us of that part of history “of first importance” to all Christians: “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures; that He was buried; that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures....”
There’s a real temptation to lose sight of this nucleus of our Christian faith, effectively demoting Christianity to a mere life philosophy or ethical system. While Christianity certainly incorporates robustly coherent philosophy and the most ennobling ethical system, it is much more than that, being grounded in the historical person of Jesus Christ, who “died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures... was buried; [and] was raised on the third day....”
Because of His Resurrection, Christ continues to be active and present. It is the grace of God that has enlightened us with the Christian faith, and when we respond to His grace (so that, as Paul says, the grace is not ineffective!), the faith living in us transforms us, those around us, and indeed the whole world!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/17/2008
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