Friends,
In our Gospel this week we see Jesus appearing to his disciples. He assures them that he is real and not a “ghost” by inviting them to see his wounds and to even touch him. For added measure he even eats a piece of fish in their presence. One can only imagine how stunned his friends must have all been at this time to see him. This moment must have been the single most important moment in their faith life. It was also an important moment for them to begin to take some real ownership over the ministry that Jesus was going to send them out for shortly after all this takes place.
What happens after the resurrection is as important, if not more important, then what happens before. There were moments prior to Jesus crucifixion when he even told his disciples that they would do works greater than these; referring to the ministry he would be sending his disciples on. We are also his disciples, and like those original disciples, we have had a profound experience of the resurrection. Perhaps this is the year, this is the Easter that inspires each of us to recommit ourselves to being actively engaged disciples of Jesus Christ. Perhaps this is the year that each of us is called to live out that discipleship with more intention. Think about it. In light of this Easter, think of one thing that you can commit yourself to in the way you minister to others. Perhaps it’s a defined ministry at the church, maybe its a particular person you feel God is asking you to reach out to, or maybe it’s getting involved in some sort of charitable work in your community. How is Jesus asking you to grow your discipleship this year?
