Readings: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; John 14:6-14It wasn’t only the apostles or Mary Magdalene, or the two men on the road to Emmaus, or his mother that Jesus appeared to. Paul tells us he also appeared to him and five hundred others.
When Jesus rose from the dead, Paul writes, “He was seen by Cephas (Peter), then by the Twelve. After that he was seen by five hundred brothers at once, most of whom are still alive, although some have fallen asleep. Next he was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Last of all he was seen by me, as one born out of the normal course.”
Around Easter time it is easy for us to be conscious of the risen Christ. But after the ascension takes place and we get into the summer season, other things begin to distract us. And we might not think of Jesus as often as we did during Holy Week and at Easter time. We can get caught up in vacation plans and let fun in the sun activities squeeze thoughts of Christ out of our minds. We must not allow that to happen.
We must promise ourselves to take Christ along with us wherever we go and invite him to enjoy with us whatever it is we are doing. Jesus didn’t come out of the tomb in order to get cooped up in tabernacles and church buildings; he came forth to continue his living with us. And that living includes working and playing and vacationing right along with us. I wonder what those 500 were doing when Jesus appeared to them. Suppose they were lying on the beach by the Dead Sea, or at a family reunion playing ball and barbecuing a lamb?
Those who truly believe in Christ and love him are apt to see him anywhere anytime. Look for him not only at first communions and May processions, but at graduation parties, cookouts, and street fairs. He is always with us. Let’s be sure we don’t miss seeing him.
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