Resurrection, Reinterpretation and Reconciliation
Ardere
Homily originally given on April 14, 2024. The New Testament testifies to the most dramatic reinterpretation of a religious text in the history of literature: without breaking the coherence of the Old Testament, the authors of the New Testament nonetheless perceive deep within its pages the outline of an otherwise totally unexpected Messiah: instead of looking for a political savior to rescue an individual nation, the first Christians saw in the history of Israel an invitation to the entire world to seek salvation in Jesus. How can we account for this religious revolution? The reality of Jesus's Resurrection is the most reasonable account for how the Apostles could go from the total demoralization of the crucifixion to the incredible enthusiasm, depth and confidence of boldly rereading texts that were so sacred to them. Moreover, their new understanding reveals their confidence in the most powerful reconciliation imaginable: the newly understood savior has brought a message of total restoration, not a narrow political restoration for a single nation, but a comprehensive personal restoration for the whole human family: “Peace be with you,” says the risen Jesus. His glorified wounds give us freedom for humility and encourage us to overcome the fear of accepting ourselves and others. In his wounds, our failures are both so obvious and so obviously overcome.Peace be with you all! Enjoy the homily!