We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
(The Nicene Creed – final words)
I believe in …the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
(The Apostles’ Creed – final words)
Have you found, as I have, that Easter Sunday brings a reminder to pay close attention to the final words of the Creed prayed during Sunday Mass? Both the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, proclaim our belief in the resurrection, not only for Jesus, but also for ourselves because of Jesus. Resurrection and eternal life with God who loves us and loved us into being – is the true destiny for all whom we have known and loved, and for each one of us.
The resurrection appearances of Jesus reveal that we cannot predict or imagine what that might be like (Mark 16; Matthew 28; Luke 24 and John 20-21). Jesus is risen, still bearing his wounds. He eats with and walks with his friends, yet somehow, he is different. At first, many do not recognize him.
Mary realizes it is Jesus when he speaks her name (John 20:16). The hearts of two disciples ‘burn’ as they walk with him, talking about all that has happened, on the road to Emmaus. It is only when he blesses and breaks bread that they finally recognize Jesus (Luke 24:30-32). A few years later, Saul (later Paul), meets the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Different accounts speak of a light or a voice. (Acts 9:1-9, 22:6-21; 26:12-18). The New Testament scriptures attest that Christ is Risen and with us – in a new way.
To explain the resurrection of those who have died, Paul used the image of a seed: “What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And as for what you sow, you do not sow the body that is to be, but a bare seed … God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body …it is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:36-38, 44).
John writes: “Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
As you listen and pray during Sundays of the Easter Season, you may like to focus your attention on the last few words of the ancient Creed. Bring to mind the hope that Easter brings. Remember loved ones, and all who have died, with hope and trust in God’s loving and eternal future.
Lyn Breen
Adult Faith Education Sandhurst
