February 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

1 Corinthians 15:1-11
The Resurrection of Christ

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

Reflection
Jesus lived, taught, healed, suffered, died, rose and appeared again to all people. He comes to us. God comes to us from heaven in flesh and spirit. God comes to us as Jesus and the Holy Spirit. God comes to us and appears to us. Yes, even you and I! God comes to us and saves us.

This is a graceful act. God didn't need to come to us, but God did! Jesus appears to all of us before our eyes and in the presence of one another. Just think of the ways God has come to you. Really think about it and jot down those ways on a notepad. Give thanks that God comes to us. Witness to all the world how God has come to you. Proclaim it to all you meet that they too may come to believe in Jesus gift of salvation.

What a joy!

Prayer
Jesus, you continue to come to each person in flesh and in spirit. Place the words in our mouths that proclaim the glory of your saving grace to those you give to us... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen