For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Ce’phas, then to the Twelve. Then he appeared to more than
five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
1 Corinthians 15:3–8
Court cases are decided on the basis of proof, or lack thereof – or at least they should be. Our faith is no different. Jesus’ resurrection is a fact, witnessed by his followers, who themselves became living witnesses of the resurrection power of Christ. Their sold-out ministry to the Gospel cost them and their followers plenty of pain, persecution, and suffering. It cost Paul his career as a Pharisee and brought him more suffering than most men could endure. Yet all these faithful people persevered and even found joy in the midst of hardship, because they knew the truth of the resurrection. In all of this, we see proof of God’s power over life and death.
The greatest evidence of the resurrection comes in the changed lives of those who experience Christ’s love. From the twelve Apostles and the other first followers of Christ, the Catholic Church has become a worldwide multitude of believers, who have passed on the teachings and traditions of the Gospel across the globe for 2,000 years. The Church continues to breathe new life into the dead, adding to its ranks, and building the Kingdom of God, one believer at a time.
Questions for reflection
What to you is the greatest proof of the resurrection power of Christ?
Who in your life has been a living example of the truth of the Gospel?
How can you be a living witness to others of the truth of Christ’s resurrection and its lasting impact on your life?
Praying with Scripture
“And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and raise you from your graves, O my people.” (Ez 37:13)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
