HOW THE RESURRECTION SHOULD CHANGE US - 04/15/23 (Saturday in the Octave of Easter)

Mark 16:9-15

"Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept.  But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it."

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041523.cfm

Blessed Easter Saturday! The resurrection of Jesus Christ was not meant to just change history. It's also meant to change us. It's because the reason why our Lord rose from the dead was to give us hope for our salvation and for our own glorious resurrection in the last days. This was one of the reasons why Christ desired to appear before His disciples who remained faithful to Him. One of them was St. Mary Magdalene. As mentioned in the gospel reading, Jesus Christ casted out seven demons from her. The seven demons may symbolize the evil spirits who tempt us to commit seven capital sins such as pride, envy, sloth, lust, covetousness, gluttony and anger. Below this reflection, there is a link that gives a guide on the examination of conscience about seven capital sins which is helpful as we reflect on our lives. Sometimes, we may celebrate the Easter season as if it's just a normal event. However, our Lord is reminding us the importance of His resurrection and our participation in our devotion by persevering to be freed from our attachments to seven capital sins through His help. It is by persevering in life of holiness and virtues, no matter how many times we fall, that we can be a true witness of the resurrection of Christ and of His love for us. The resurrection of our Lord should change us, not just in our relationship with Christ, but also in how we lead other people to Him. As such, our Savior commanded His disciples to proclaim the gospel to many people. 

By being able to grow in the love of Christ, we will realize how precious it is and how necessary it is to be obedient to Him. This will inspire us to desire the same happiness for other people. How can we proclaim the Gospel to them? It's through our works and words. We should be a good role model for them so that when they see how Jesus changes us, they will be more inspired to come closer to Christ. At the same time, we should also be willing, if given an opportunity, to speak to people about our Lord. When they have some problems, let's not try to just tell them what to do or to immediately correct them when they are distressed. Instead, we should be the reflection of God's mercy by listening to them and by loving them. And, when the time comes that they are more open, we can encourage them to be closer to God as a way of loving them and not as a way of judging them. Sometimes, they may not easily accept our words or the commandments of Christ. They may even point to us our sins in the past. When this happens, let's remain in the state of peace by begging strength from God to remain patient. It's because we know that what matters to our Lord is His love for us and our intention to love Him despite our faults in the past. May we also persevere in praying the rosary, especially by meditating on the glorious mysteries as we celebrate the Easter season, so that through the intercession of our Mother Mary, we will be able to reject the temptations of the devil, and we can bring more souls to Jesus. By the outpouring of the grace of God through the prayer of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we have the hope that more people will believe in Jesus and in the Good News of salvation. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth