“But Peter and the apostles said in reply, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, as is the Holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:29-32)

The major theme for this 3^rd Sunday of Easter re-emphasizes or re-affirms the essence of our Christian faith, which is our faith in the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has truly risen from the dead. Some of the evidence of his resurrection includes his repeated appearance to his disciples. No matter where they are or with whom they are, the risen Lord constantly demonstrates the proof of his resurrection, for example: being able to eat, move, talk, touch, to breath on his disciples, etc., doing activities of any normal living person.

In fact, the Old Testament is written to precede or prophesy the truth of Christ’s resurrection (Isaiah 52:13–53:12; Hosea 6:2).  The New Testament is also written to testify this same veracity (Luke 24:26-27, Luke 24:46; Luke 9:22; Acts 3:18; Acts 17:3; Acts 26:23). Thus, the Bible offers us ample examples of Christ resurrection.

However, for those who do not believe in it, no matter how much evidence or how many testimonies provided or presented would be sufficient to convince the incredulous ones of this authentic event. But for those who have received the gift of our Christian faith and are willing and eager to trust in God, no evidence or testimonies would be necessary to be convinced.

Another decisive condition and determination for belief in the risen Lord resides in the state of the person’s heart, whether such a heart is centered on God or on oneself; whether it is receptive, willing and open to God’s providence and will, or it is closed to the divine initiative, invitation, relationship and revelation. When a person’s heart is soft, pure, innocent, compassionate, merciful, generous, repentant, humble… and full of love of God, such a person will believe in the resurrection of the Lord.

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to be bold with conviction like Peter and the other disciples to proclaim fearlessly and to have faith in the Risen Lord who has suffered, died and is resurrected to obtain for us the glory of our salvation.

How can we help each other to see, hear and experience the Risen Lord in our lives, acknowledging His divine presence at all times?   

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.