Luke 24 and Acts 3 give us an incredible insight into fallen human nature and the grace of God.

Bishop Robert Barron states that as Jesus shows his wounds to the disciples after the resurrection he is reiterating the judgment of the cross. Don’t forget. But, Jesus is opening up a new spiritual world as our savior. From ancient creation myths to movies like Rambo and Dirty Harry, the principle is the same: order, destroyed through violence, is restored through a righteous exercise of greater violence. Domination is followed by a counter domination.

But, then there is Jesus. The terrible disorder of the cross is addressed not through an explosion of divine vengeance but a radiation of divine love. Jesus speaks words not of retribution and vengeance,  but reconciliation and compassion, nonviolence and forgiveness.

We can begin to sense the source of the disciples’ joy: we killed God and God still loves us. We have tried to distance ourselves from God and He returns offering peace. Thus, the gods of this world who sanction scapegoating and violence are seen as phony idols.

In family life this is played out daily. I heard a talk on Focus on the Family ( see here ) that states we can provide the healthiest emotional environment that mirrors what Jesus offers if 3 things are present:

how we show love and affection

how we handle personal and family stress

how we treat our spouse or co parent in a divorce

The power of the resurrection lives in believers and affects all of life.

Come and see,

+Philip