But Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep.
James 2:17 So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Just quoting scripture! I am not name calling.
In Saint James 2:18, 26 was our second reading from last Sunday. It is the answer from the Protestants take on Saint Paul’s Epistle in Galatians 5:6, 13–15. Here Saint Paul says we are saved by our Faith and nothing we do can earn salvation for us or Heaven. Saint James isn’t disagreeing with Saint Paul but explaining Saint Paul’s words in a more complete way.
Today we are urged to follow Jesus’ example… Works!
Jesus made his way through towns and villages preaching and proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom of God. The point of this reflection is that all the Disciples and attending women were spreading the Kingdom of God also. They were healing the sick and taking care of each other. We are mandated by our Baptism to do the same. We need to take better care of each other.
Last week our Knights of Columbus council volunteered to help out at an event. The Council’s proceeds are donated to various charities. Now in our larger church organization we have other ministries. We have a home improvement ministry at our church that donates materials and labor for single parents and elderly homeowners who are in need. We have a have a homeless outreach center for the homeless that gives clothes and food and hygiene items to the poor.
In everything we are following Jesus’ example of building the Kingdom of God here on Earth as described in our Gospel in Luke 8. We do this because of our Faith.
In our first reading. If our hope in Christ has been for this life only, we are the most unfortunate of all people. But Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep.
We are the Resurrection People and Every Morning is Easter morning. We cannot stop doing good works to build the Kingdom of God because we have faith. Those good works might be as simple as a meal for a sick neighbor or a prayer for a friend, stranger or loved one. It doesn’t have to be big. It has to be inspired by your Faith. This is why we work! We work because of our faith not because of a heavenly reward. There is an Easter song that covers this.
Lyrics are as follows:
Every morning is Easter morning from now on!
Every day’s resurrection day, the past is over and gone!
Goodbye guilt, goodbye fear, good riddance! Hello Lord, Hello sun!
I am one of the Easter People! My new life has begun! – Every
Daily news is so bad it seems the Good News seldom gets heard.
Get it straight from the Easter People: God’s in charge! Spread the word! – Every
Yesterday I was bored and lonely; but today look and see!
I belong to the Easter People! Life’s exciting to me!
Every morning is Easter morning
from now on!
Every day’s resurrection day,
the past is over and gone!
Every morning is Easter morning,
Every morning is Easter morning,
Every morning is Easter morning
from now on!
But Christ has in fact been raised from the dead. Happy Resurrection Day!
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please Pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for the conversion of Russia and the salvation of the Ukrainian and Russian people and their soldiers. Pray for the Holy Land. Pray for peace!
