The Hope of Resurrection and the Call to Serve
Today’s Mass readings lead us into the heart of Christian belief—the hope of the resurrection—and challenge us to embrace our faith with trust and commitment. Each of the three readings presents different but connected aspects of this journey: Paul’s powerful defense of the resurrection of the dead, David’s heartfelt plea for deliverance and protection in Psalm 17, and Luke’s account of the women who followed and served Jesus, showing us that discipleship involves our whole life, including how we support the mission of Christ.
These readings remind us that resurrection is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that transforms every aspect of our existence. The resurrection of Jesus gives us the courage to face trials, and it invites us to give of ourselves in service to the Kingdom. In this reflection, we’ll explore the readings verse by verse, rooting our understanding in Catholic teaching and reflecting on how we can live out these truths today.
First Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Paul’s Defense of the Resurrection
St. Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians addresses divisions and misunderstandings within the Christian community in Corinth. One of the most significant issues was their confusion about the resurrection of the dead. In Greco-Roman culture, many believed in the immortality of the soul but found the idea of bodily resurrection absurd. This cultural backdrop influenced the thinking of some Corinthian Christians, leading them to question whether there would be any resurrection after death.
In this passage, Paul directly confronts their doubts, emphasizing that belief in the resurrection of the body is not optional for Christians—it is the very foundation of our faith. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian hope. If that hope is false, everything else collapses. Paul’s argument here is deeply theological but also has practical implications for how we live our faith.
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
The Resurrection of the Dead
12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. 17 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. 19 If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 12:“Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead?”
Paul begins by drawing attention to a contradiction within the Corinthian community. They accept the proclamation that Jesus was raised from the dead, yet some deny the general resurrection of the dead. This inconsistency is at the heart of Paul’s argument: if you believe in the resurrection of Christ, you must also believe in the resurrection of all.
Verse 13: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised.”
Here, Paul presents a logical conclusion. If the dead are not raised, then Christ Himself has not been raised. The two beliefs—the resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of the dead—are inseparably linked.
Verse 14: “And if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith has been in vain.”
Without the resurrection, both the preaching of the apostles and the faith of the believers are empty and meaningless. The entire message of Christianity hinges on this event.
Verse 15: “We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ—whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised.”
Paul emphasizes the serious implications of denying the resurrection. If there is no resurrection, the apostles have been bearing false witness about God’s actions. This is not just a theological error but a false testimony against the very nature of God.
Verse 16-17: “For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.”
Without Christ’s resurrection, humanity remains trapped in sin, for it is the resurrection that confirms the defeat of sin and death. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross would have no effect if He had not risen, because the resurrection proves that His death was victorious.
Verse 18-19: “Then those also who have died in Christ have perished. If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
Paul points out the tragic consequence if there is no resurrection: all those who have died believing in Christ would have perished without hope. If Christians only have hope for this life, their faith would seem tragic and pitiful, as they have lived sacrificially for a false promise.
Verse 20: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died.”
Paul triumphantly concludes with the truth of the resurrection: Christ has been raised! He is the “first fruits,” meaning His resurrection is the beginning of the general resurrection for all believers. In Jewish tradition, the “first fruits” were the first portion of the harvest, offered to God as a sign of the full harvest to come. Christ’s resurrection is the beginning of the new creation, and we are part of that promise.
Teachings and References
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian hope. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “The mystery of Christ’s resurrection is a real event, with manifestations that were historically verified, as the New Testament bears witness” (CCC 639). This truth is not just a historical fact but the foundation of our faith and hope. St. John Paul II once said, “We do not pretend that life will be without suffering, but we believe that in the resurrection, God has promised that every tear will be wiped away.” The resurrection gives us the courage to live with faith, knowing that our suffering and sacrifices are not in vain.
Reflection
This passage challenges us to live in the hope of the resurrection. If Christ has truly been raised from the dead, it transforms how we approach every aspect of our lives. Do we live as people of hope, trusting that death is not the end? In a world often focused on the present moment, Paul calls us to live with an eternal perspective. We are not just living for this life but for the life to come.
In practical terms, this means our choices, sacrifices, and even sufferings take on new meaning. We live with the confidence that we are destined for eternal life. How does the hope of the resurrection shape the way we deal with struggles or setbacks? This is an invitation to reflect on our priorities, values, and how we witness to the world around us.
How does the hope of the resurrection influence the way you live your daily life? Are there areas in your life where you need to trust in God’s promise of new life?
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 17:1, 6-8, 15
David’s Prayer for Deliverance
Psalm 17 is a prayer attributed to David during a time of intense persecution. The psalmist calls out to God, asking for protection and deliverance from enemies who are threatening his life. This heartfelt plea comes from a place of deep trust in God’s justice and mercy. David’s confidence in God’s protection is rooted in his experience of God’s faithfulness throughout his life.
The psalms are often referred to as the prayer book of the Church. They give voice to the deepest cries of the human heart, expressing a wide range of emotions from joy to despair, from trust to confusion. In Psalm 17, we see a powerful example of a prayer that seeks justice in the face of injustice, protection in the face of danger, and ultimately, union with God.
Psalm 17:1, 6-8, 15
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Prayer for Deliverance from Persecutors
A Prayer of David.
1 Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry;
give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.
6 I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
incline your ear to me, hear my words.
7 Wondrously show your steadfast love,
O savior of those who seek refuge
from their adversaries at your right hand.
8 Guard me as the apple of the eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings,
15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness;
when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 1: “Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit.”
David begins by presenting his plea as a just cause. He appeals to God as the righteous judge who sees the truth of his situation. His request is not based on manipulation or deception but on his integrity before God. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, where David seeks justice from the One who knows all hearts.
Verse 6: “I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God; incline your ear to me, hear my words.”
David’s confidence in God’s responsiveness is evident here. He calls out to God with faith, knowing that God hears and answers prayers. This is not a passive or doubtful request but a bold appeal based on his relationship with God.
Verse 7: “Wondrously show your steadfast love, O savior of those who seek refuge from their adversaries at your right hand.”
David appeals to God’s hesed—His steadfast love, a key concept in the Old Testament. This love is not just a fleeting emotion but a committed, covenantal love that God shows to His people. David calls on God to show this love by saving him from his enemies.
Verse 8: “Guard me as the apple of the eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings.”
David uses two beautiful and intimate metaphors to describe God’s protection. To be the “apple of the eye” means to be deeply cherished and protected, just as the pupil of the eye is guarded carefully. The image of being hidden “in the shadow of your wings” reflects the tender, protective love of God, who guards His people from harm.
Verse 15: “As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake I shall be satisfied, beholding your likeness.”
David concludes with a confident hope in ultimate union with God. To “behold your face” is a longing for God’s presence, a desire that goes beyond earthly deliverance to eternal fulfillment. The language of “awakening” could be interpreted as a reference to the resurrection, where the righteous will finally see God face to face and find complete satisfaction in His presence.
Teachings and References
The Catechism teaches that “Faith in God the Father Almighty can be put to the test by the experience of evil and suffering” (CCC 272). David’s prayer in Psalm 17 is an example of faith being tested through suffering. His response is one of trust in God’s justice. David does not seek vengeance or retaliation against his enemies but places his trust in God’s righteous judgment.
This psalm reflects the broader Christian understanding of God as a protector and deliverer. Just as David called on God for protection, we can approach God with confidence in our times of trial. St. Teresa of Avila famously said, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away; God never changes.” This kind of trust is what Psalm 17 calls us to cultivate.
Reflection
David’s prayer invites us to reflect on how we approach God in times of difficulty. Do we trust in God’s protection, even when we are surrounded by challenges? This psalm reminds us that God sees our struggles and hears our prayers. We can cry out to Him with confidence, knowing that He is a just judge who will deliver us in His time.
In our daily lives, this means turning to God in moments of fear, anxiety, or injustice. Like David, we are invited to bring our concerns to God, trusting that He values us deeply—like the “apple of [His] eye”—and will protect us under the shadow of His wings.
Do we turn to God with this kind of trust in our own trials? When you face difficulties, do you turn to God with the same trust and confidence as David did? How might you grow in this trust in your daily life?
Holy Gospel – Luke 8:1-3
Women Who Follow Jesus
In this brief passage from Luke’s Gospel, we get a glimpse of an often-overlooked group of disciples—the women who followed Jesus. These women, many of whom had been healed by Jesus, played a vital role in His ministry, not only by following Him but by providing for Him and His disciples out of their own resources.
In the culture of first-century Palestine, women were often marginalized and their contributions overlooked. Yet, Luke takes care to mention these women by name, highlighting their importance to Jesus’ ministry. This passage serves as a reminder that discipleship takes many forms and that those who support the mission of Christ, even behind the scenes, play a crucial role in spreading the Gospel.
Luke 8:1-3
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Some Women Accompany Jesus
8 Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, 2 as well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 1: “Soon afterwards he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him.”
Jesus’ mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God, and He did so by going to the people—traveling through cities and villages to reach those who needed to hear the Good News. The mention of the twelve apostles underscores the formal leadership of the early Church, but it also sets the stage for the inclusion of other disciples, especially the women who played a significant role in supporting the ministry.
Verse 2: “As well as some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out.”
Mary Magdalene is introduced here as one of the women who followed Jesus. Her healing from demonic possession is mentioned to emphasize the transformative power of Jesus in her life. Mary would later become a key figure at the crucifixion and resurrection, a witness to the risen Christ. Her inclusion here highlights her deep gratitude and devotion to Jesus.
Verse 3: “And Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their resources.”
This verse introduces Joanna and Susanna, along with “many others,” who supported Jesus and His disciples financially. Joanna, as the wife of Herod’s steward, came from a position of influence and wealth, yet she used her resources to support Jesus’ mission. The mention of women supporting the ministry financially is significant, as it shows that the early Church relied on the contributions of all its members, regardless of status or gender.
Teachings and References
The Church has long recognized the indispensable role of women in its mission. As the Catechism notes: “In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (CCC 794). This passage reminds us that every member of the Church, regardless of their role or status, has something valuable to contribute to the mission of spreading the Gospel.
St. Teresa of Avila beautifully expressed the importance of service to God, saying, “Christ has no body now but yours; no hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes with which He looks compassion on this world.” This reminds us that we are all called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, using our gifts—whether financial, material, or spiritual—to support the work of the Church.
Reflection
This passage from Luke invites us to reflect on how we are called to serve in the mission of the Church. Are we using our resources and talents to further the work of the Kingdom, as these women did? No contribution is too small when it is offered with love and gratitude to God.
In our everyday lives, this might look like supporting our local parish, volunteering our time, or offering our financial resources to help those in need. It could also mean using our unique talents to spread the Gospel in creative ways, whether through teaching, mentoring, or simply living out our faith in a way that draws others to Christ.
How are you contributing to the mission of the Church in your daily life? In what ways are you called to serve Christ in your everyday life? How can you use your gifts to support the work of the Church and spread the Gospel?
Living in the Hope of Resurrection
Today’s readings invite us to root our faith in the resurrection, trust in God’s protection, and serve the mission of the Gospel in practical ways. St. Paul’s powerful defense of the resurrection reminds us that without this foundational belief, our faith would be in vain. But because Christ has risen, we can live with confidence, knowing that our faith is not futile and that eternal life awaits.
David’s prayer in Psalm 17 teaches us to trust God’s care and justice, even when we face adversaries or uncertainty. We are reminded that God sees our struggles, hears our prayers, and values us deeply as the “apple of His eye.” Like David, we are called to seek refuge under the shadow of God’s wings, trusting in His protection.
Finally, the women in Luke’s Gospel show us that discipleship is not just about being in the spotlight but about serving with love and devotion, using our gifts to support the mission of Christ. Whether we contribute financially, materially, or spiritually, we are all called to play a part in spreading the Good News.
Engage with Us!
Share your reflections and insights in the comments below! Let us take time today to reflect on the resurrection and how it shapes our life choices.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the hope of the resurrection influence the way you live your daily life? Are there areas in your life where you need to trust in God’s promise of new life?
- When you face difficulties, do you turn to God with the same trust and confidence as David did? How might you grow in this trust in your daily life?
- In what ways are you called to serve Christ in your everyday life? How can you use your gifts to support the work of the Church and spread the Gospel?
Let us strive to live as people of hope, trusting in the promises of God and offering our lives in service to His mission.
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Holy Manna! 
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