First Reading - 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Gospel - Luke 8:1-3
In the first reading, St. Paul addresses some people in Corinth who were saying that there is no resurrection of the dead. Paul makes it clear that the resurrection is at the very heart of our faith. If Christ has not been raised, then our faith is empty and our hope has no foundation. But Paul immediately proclaims the good news: “Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
The resurrection of Jesus changes the way we look at our whole life. Death is not the end. Suffering is not the final word. Our failures are not the end of our story. Because Christ has risen, we have the hope that God is leading us towards fullness of life.
The Gospel shows us what this hope looks like in everyday life. Jesus goes from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. The Twelve are with him, and also some women who had been healed by him. Luke specifically mentions Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and others who supported Jesus and his disciples from their resources.
These women had experienced the transforming power of Jesus in their own lives, and now they become his companions in mission. They do not simply receive from Jesus; they also respond by giving themselves and what they have to the mission.
This gives us an important connection with the first reading. Because Christ is risen, the good news is not something to keep only for ourselves. The resurrection creates a community of people who have received new life and are called to share that life with others.
The women in today's Gospel remind us that everyone has something to offer. We may not all preach publicly or have an important position, but we can contribute through our time, our abilities, our resources, our prayer, our encouragement and our presence.
Sometimes we may think that what we can offer is too small. But the Gospel tells us that these women supported the mission of Jesus “out of their means.” What they had became an instrument for God's work.
Therefore, today's readings invite us to live as people of resurrection. We are people who believe that Christ is alive, and therefore we do not live without hope. Whatever our circumstances may be, we can continue to trust, serve and move forward.
Let us ask ourselves today: Where is God inviting me to bring hope? Who around me needs encouragement, kindness or support? What can I offer for the good of others?
Christ is risen, and because he lives, our lives have meaning and our service has purpose. May the hope of the resurrection give us courage to live generously and to become witnesses of the new life that Christ has given us.
0 Comments