Can we experience the Resurrection, as we are still living our life on this Earth

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season 33rd Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 20:27-40*

*First Reading - 1 Mc 6:1-13*

*Can we experience the Resurrection, as we are still living our life on this Earth*

*1) Normal Understanding of the Resurrection*

The moment we think about resurrection we think about life after death 

Usually the concept refers to the life, after death and which is accepted by all 

At the same time, the question is can we think or experience the resurrection, still as we are living on this earth???

*2) Meaning of Resurrection*

Traditionally we understand the resurrection  means life after death 

But it can also also other meanings 

The beginning of new life

The rebirth into a different realm

The new way of life 

If these above meanings could be read in the concept of resurrection, one need not think resurrection only after the death, but resurrection can very well be experienced while are still living on this world 

*3)  Sadducees who denied the Resurrection*

The first sentence of today's Gospel speaks about some Sadducees who denied the resurrection. 

This could be seen in two different levels 

First of all the resurrection which is refereed after life 

Secondly we can also see the new life, new way of living our life is also denied with this 

So these people hold on to the old and outdated thinking which does not allow them to have a new way of life or resurrection of life for better authentic life 

So denial of resurrection also refers to the denial of new way of life, which is very much necessary to follow Jesus and to fulfill the demands of the Kingdom of God. 

*4) Resurrection is very much necessary while I am still living my life on this earth*

We could apply this concept of resurrection to every aspect of our life 

Basically we apply the concept of resurrection as the new life or new way of life. Accordingly

We need to have resurrection in our spiritual life 

We need to have resurrection in our attitude, behavior and out look towards others 

We need to have resurrection in our discipline, in our approach, in our service, in our generosity, in our sacrife and other kingdom values 

We need to apply the concept of resurrection to our pride, arrogance, anger, division, revenge, jealousy, miserliness, and other evil things, so that we have new life contrary to these evil things 

*5) Christian Spirituality demands resurrection everyday*

Resurrection or the New life is at the centre of Christian spirituality. 

We are supposed to rise to new life every day from our old ways of life 

*The time is fulfilled, repent and believe in the Good news* is the slogan for the resurrection for everyday. 

Unless I practice the concept of Resurrection in various aspects in my life, there is no real change in my life. 

A life without any chance is useless

*6) Resurrection means New wine into new wineskins*

Jesus speaks about the new wine and new wineskins 

Resurrection is nothing but the way to implement the teaching on new wine into new wineskins. 

Am I ready to fill the new wine into new wineskins? 

Am I ready to apply the concept of resurrection to all areas if my life, still I am living in this earth??

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*