While it is a lifetime journey to grow in faith, Lent is that special time to review the teachings of Jesus in preparation for celebrating the Easter mysteries.

Fr. Bernard Boff

Responding to God’s word presents a great challenge to our faith when we are confronted with suffering, death and resurrection. The message of Isaiah the Prophet, to the people returning from exile, offers a fitting inspiration for us to hear and heed God’s word. Isaiah wrote: “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call to him while he is near. Let the scoundrel forsake his way and the wicked man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord for mercy, to our God who is generous in forgiving.”

The Lord explains
“My thoughts and ways are not your thoughts and ways. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so are my thoughts and ways above yours. For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth making it fertile and fruitful … So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth. It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.” (See Is 55:1ff)

An overview of resurrection accounts
With the first Gospel accounts written more than 40 years after the events, it is not surprising that there are minor variations of details. For example, it is not clear to whom the resurrected Lord appeared first. The account of John merely states, “Early in the morning on the first day of the week while still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb.” Seeing the stone rolled away, she ran to get Peter and the other disciple Jesus loved (John), who outran Peter but did not go into the tomb. Presently Peter arrived, entered the tomb and observed the wrappings on the ground. “Then the disciple who had arrived first went in. He saw and believed!”

The commentary concludes: “By delaying his entry into the tomb, the evangelist makes the Beloved Disciple’s affirmation of faith the climax of the visit.” (Jerome Biblical Commentary)

The account of Luke has the women going to the tomb. They see two men in dazzling garments who questioned them as to why they were looking for the living one among the dead. “He is not here, He has been raised up.” The women hurried back to the apostles and reported what had happened. “The story seemed like nonsense to them and they refused to believe the women.”

Only Luke has the longer dialogue of Jesus and the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Withheld from recognizing the resurrected Jesus, the disciples were chided by him for their slowness to believe. Then beginning with Moses, Jesus interpreted all the passages that referred to Him. Going to the assembled Eleven they recounted what had happened and how they came to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

Significant lessons learned
We can best know Jesus by faith, which is nurtured by knowledge of the Scriptures.

Knowledge of the Old Testament enhances understanding of the New Testament.

Rereading a passage or reading context of the passage may provide focus for understanding.