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Word To Life
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Easter Sunday Scripture Readings: March 23, 2008
By Jeff Hedglen
Catholic News Service
March 23, Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord
Cycle A Readings:
1) Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
2) Colossians 3:1-4
Gospel: John 20:1-9
I walked into the house to a familiar sight, the light blinking on the answering machine. Who could it be this time? Maybe it's another recorded message from Senator McCain asking for my support in the upcoming election, or a friend who I haven't heard from in a while, or maybe some well-deserving cause asking for support?
As it turns out, it was a "Happy Anniversary" message from the dealership where I purchased my truck.
Needless to say, I was a bit surprised. It sent my mind back two years to when, at the age of 40, I purchased my first brand new vehicle. I remember being so proud and joyous at finally owning the truck I had been dreaming about since I first moved to Texas 25 years earlier.
My happy trip down memory lane came to an abrupt halt when I sat down to prepare this column. I ran smack dab into St. Paul saying, "If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth."
Paul's words brought back another memory from two years ago: I remember driving home from the truck dealership with mixed feelings. Sure, I was very happy, but in the back of my mind, I wondered if I was a bit too happy with my new toy.
All of us can fall under the spell of materialism. I suppose the first-century Christians may have been having similar problems that prompted Paul to challenge them to seek what is above, not what is on the earth.
The resurrection of Jesus is the single most important event in human history. Without it our faith is useless and our hope is for naught. It redefines everything for us. Yes, the things of this earth can tempt us to focus on the here and now, but Easter is the great day that shifts our gaze from here to the hereafter.
QUESTIONS:
What are the things of earth that hold your attention? What are some things you can do to refocus on what is above?
SCRIPTURE TO BE ILLUSTRATED:
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth" (Colossians 3:1-2).
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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