death and resurrection

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 24 NOVEMBER 2012

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Gospel Lk 20:27-40

This passage is difficult to understand on first reading. Here Jesus is answering the Sadducees questions on the topic of resurrection, which some believe in but many do not. Jesus responds as only God could know how. He describes the world out of this world, and that our lives here are a prelude to a heavenly time if they worship God while they are here. He guides them skillfully through how it will be. They will become “like angels”, and will be the ones who will rise. Notice how Jesus refers them to the God of the Old Testament and how he made himself available to the prophets; proving again his willingness as God to move together amongst mankind.

For us today, we have the ultimate act of Forgiveness for our sins in His death and resurrection, so we no longer have to debate whether resurrection is possible or not. All things are possible with God.
This path of a beautiful life, of which we are offered glimpses of His love daily. Regarding the afterlife, a friend recently sent me this note in response to a nice card that I sent him for Thanksgiving.

“The scenes are always heartwarming – God’s Eden and paradise – maybe someday – God willing.”

We live in hope that one day we will awaken in his kingdom and be united in his love and friendship.

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 23 NOVEMBER 2012

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Gospel Lk 19:45-48

Theologically speaking, this passage has (like most scripture), many deep meanings. Jesus is not only chastising the sellers for blaspheming by using the sacred ground of worship (the temple) for their own gain, but also announcing the new temple. Jesus Christ our Savior.

Perhaps today, we can see religious men co-opting His new temple (the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ) for their own means. This might be done for monetary gain as those original temple sellers, but also could be for power and self-glorification. I think we have all met a Christian who has done that in our lives. One of them is writing this reflection.
So there are many lessons in a single act of Jesus. Honor your Lord and God alone; do not use your position as a member of the Christian Church to exploit others; money will not buy you God’s love; those that oppose Him will never prevail.

As you take this to your day, notice somewhere where this is happening in your life, and see how you might change that to align it with God’s will.

REFLECTION ON THE DAILY GOSPEL 9 NOVEMBER 2011

/ Michael J. Cunningham / Leave a comment

Jesus wanted to let the Jews know that he was sent by the father and would return to show them the scriptures were fulfilled by his death and resurrection.

Running our lives entirely about money and using religion as a shield for commerce is the work of a fake. He shows the sign and we have our cross to carry to give him praise.

 

Gospel Jn 2:13-22