The Resurrected Christ and Modern Catholics

Steve O. Alabi

Easter is not just a season. For Catholics, it is the heart of our faith, the triumph of Christ over sin and death, and the cornerstone of our hope. As St. Paul declared:

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” — 1 Corinthians 15:17 (NABRE)

But the Resurrection is not a one-time event to be commemorated once a year. It is a living reality that should shape the daily life of every modern Christian. In a world increasingly marked by doubt, despair, and spiritual indifference, how does the Resurrected Christ speak to us today? How should we, as Catholics, live in the light of His victory?

1. The Resurrection: Historical Event and Eternal Truth

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:

“The Resurrection of Jesus is the crowning truth of our faith in Christ…” — CCC 638

Jesus’ Resurrection was a bodily resurrection-not a metaphor or a spiritual apparition. His empty tomb, His appearances to the disciples, and His triumph over death are not mere symbols. They are historical and transformative truths.

“He is not here; for He has been raised, just as He said.” - Matthew 28:6

In today’s secular culture, many question the supernatural. Yet the Resurrection reminds us that God’s power transcends human logic. It validates everything Jesus said and did. It confirms our belief in eternal life and affirms our identity as people of hope.

2. What the Resurrected Christ Offers Modern Christians

a. Hope Amid Suffering

Many Catholics today experience personal trials-sickness, unemployment, family division, spiritual dryness. Globally, the Church faces persecution, moral confusion, and societal decline. Yet the Resurrection assures us that suffering is not the end of the story.

“In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.” - John 16:33

The Resurrected Christ walks with us in our pain, promising that crosses lead to crowns and Friday’s sorrow ends in Sunday’s joy.

b. New Life in Christ

Through Baptism, we participate in Christ’s death and resurrection. This isn’t abstract theology-it’s a radical call to holiness and transformation.

“We were indeed buried with Him through baptism into death… so that… we too might live in newness of life.” - Romans 6:4

This means modern Catholics are Easter people. We live differently—not as slaves to sin or culture, but as those renewed in grace, mission, and joy.

3. The Eucharist: Encountering the Risen Christ Today

As Catholics, we don’t merely remember the Resurrection-we experience it in every Mass. The same Jesus who rose from the tomb becomes present-Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity-in the Eucharist.

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven... whoever eats this bread will live forever.” - John 6:51

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our life (CCC 1324). It is the Resurrected Christ nourishing us to:

• Overcome sin
• Love more deeply
• Serve more generously
• Evangelize more boldly

The early disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread (Luke 24:30–31). So must we.

4. Witnessing the Resurrection in a Modern World

The world is full of “Good Fridays”-depression, war, injustice, moral confusion. Modern Catholics are called to be living witnesses of Easter in the midst of these dark realities.

“You are the light of the world… your light must shine before others…” - Matthew 5:14,16

How can we reflect the Resurrected Christ?

• Live with joy, not fear. Resurrection people are not pessimists.
• Offer mercy and forgiveness. Jesus forgave Peter, Thomas, and even those who crucified Him.
• Choose truth, not compromise. Resurrection power emboldens us to stand for moral truth even when unpopular.
• Serve the poor and forgotten. The risen Christ was first revealed to Mary Magdalene and the apostles-ordinary, broken people. We must also reach out in love.

Pope Francis reminds us:

“Let the risen Jesus enter your life, welcome Him as a friend, with trust: He is life! If up to now you have kept Him at a distance, step forward. He will receive you with open arms.” — Urbi et Orbi, Easter 2013

5. The Role of Mary and the Saints

As Catholics, we look to Mary, the Mother of the Risen Christ, and the Communion of Saints, as models and intercessors. Mary’s silent strength during Holy Saturday and her joy at the Resurrection teach us hope in God’s timing.

“Blessed is she who believed…” - Luke 1:45

The saints are our Easter companions. Many suffered greatly but lived with the Resurrection in their hearts-like St. John Paul II, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. Teresa of Calcutta. Their lives remind us that holiness is possible in every age.

6. A Call to Personal Renewal

The Resurrection demands a response. It is not enough to believe it intellectually. We must let it change us personally. Christ did not rise for us to live mediocre, spiritually dull lives.

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 6:11

Ask yourself:

• Is the joy of the Resurrection visible in my life?
• Do I trust Christ more than I fear the world?
• Am I living like someone redeemed?

This Easter season, make a fresh commitment to daily prayer, frequent Mass, Confession, Scripture reading, and acts of mercy.

Conclusion: Living the Resurrection Daily

The Resurrection is not just a doctrine-it is a daily invitation. Christ is alive. He is with us in the sacraments, in the Church, in the poor, in our families, and in our struggles.

“Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.” - Luke 24:5–6

Let us be a Resurrection people-radiating faith, hope, and love to a world that desperately needs all three.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” - Psalm 118:24

Resources for Deeper Reflection

• Catechism of the Catholic Church, Sections 638–655
• Daily Rosary with Glorious Mysteries (including the Resurrection)
• Divine Mercy Chaplet - perfect for the Easter season
• Books: Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week by Pope Benedict XVI, Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright