Bishop Pindel: gathering the Risen transforms man

Hierarch indicated that it was not superficial or temporary joy, depending on circumstances, but a profound change of heart, which is gradual. Referring to the individual experience of the Ignatian retreat, he recalled a conversation with a friend who admitted that his joy of the Resurrection “is only sprouting.”

– It is an crucial uncovering that a man can admit obstacles that do not let him to enjoy: deficiency of faith, injury, disappointment or interior resistance," noted the bishop.

The preacher referred to the account of the Resurrection from the Gospel of Matthew. He pointed out that women coming to Jesus' grave first experience God's intervention, the sign of which is the earthquake, and then they hear the angel's words, "Do not be afraid."

“God, erstwhile entrusting a man with a task, first removes fear and gives light to realize events,” he stressed.

As the bishop explained, it is the joy of spiritual nature – profoundly rooted in the encounter with God. The fear of which the Gospel speaks does not mean fear, but worship toward God and His action. The women believed that Jesus was “from God,” and their religion was confirmed by a individual encounter with the Risen 1 who allowed them to see him. In this experience they discover that God actually intervened, that triumph over death became a fact, and the way to the Father, as foretold by Jesus, was open to all.

– This message gives a fresh look at life and a fresh courage towards difficulties, the threat of even death – Fr.

The preacher compared this fact with the reaction of the grave guards, who – even though they witnessed extraordinary events – could not read their meaning. alternatively of joy, they fear punishment for failing to fulfill their duties. Eventually, they accept the version of events imposed by spiritual leaders, choosing safety and benefit alternatively of truth.

– They cannot be happy due to the fact that it is not in their interest to believe," noted the bishop, pointing out that present besides a man can shut up to the fact if he is guided only by his own interest.

At the end of the homily, the bishop recalled that the Risen Christ constantly comes to man with the same message: peace and call to faith.

"Peace be unto you, fear nothing, but believe that I have overcome all that is evil in this world," he recalled the words of Jesus, encouraging the faithful to come unto Him and to let themselves be free from all that hinders them from believing and living.