Pope Francis: Because Jesus is risen, we too shall rise
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis’ catechesis at the General Audience on Wednesday was
focused once again on the Creed, as he continued his reflections on “the resurrection
of the body.” “I want to present some aspects regarding the relationship between the
Resurrection of Christ and our resurrection,” he said. “He is risen! And because He
is risen, we too shall rise.”
Below, please find the full text of the
English language summary of Pope Francis’ catechesis:
Dear Brothers
and Sisters: we return to our reflection on “the resurrection of the body”, as we
look at three aspects of the relationship between Christ’s resurrection and our own.
First, the Gospel reveals to us that our faith in the resurrection is bound to the
person of Jesus Christ, who himself said “I am the resurrection and the life”. Like
us in all things but sin, Christ gathers us to himself so that we may accompany him
in his journey back to the Father. The Risen Christ gives his disciples the Holy
Spirit as a pledge of communion with God which has its fullness in eternity. The
anticipation of eternal life is the source and reason for our hope. If cultivated
and protected, it illuminates our lives as persons and communities. Second, Christ
rose in his glorified body. Through Christ, our bodies will also be glorified and
reunited with our souls at the resurrection. Therefore, our experience of the Risen
Christ in the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, prepares us for the reunion
of our bodies and souls in heaven. Third, while Jesus will resurrect us at the end
of time, even now he wishes us to share in his resurrection. Through Baptism, we
are inserted into his death and resurrection and begin to experience new life. The
seed of eternity is planted within us. Hence, the image of eternity is imprinted
on us and calls us to respect the lives of all people, especially those who suffer.
In this way, we can experience the closeness of the Reign of God, towards which we
all journey together.