The Transforming Power of the Resurrection

“What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” Acts of the Apostles 2: 37b-39.

We, as the body of Christ, are not always obedient or faithful in our relationship with our Lord, particularly when we are walking along a path that brings us tests, challenges, and lessons. My dear 90-year young Gram Jo, who serves as a community spiritual mentor, says this is “our cross and part of answering the call as true believers.” Being tested, challenged, and learning is connected to our livelihood as the body of Christ. We just need to trust that Our Father will always hold us in these periods.Through humility, he begets us to repentance, healing and change.

“She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni,’ which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, ‘Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them,‘I am going to my Father and your Father,  to my God and your God.’” John 20: 16b-17

I am humbled by John 20:11-18. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first. Every day our Catholic Charities network collectively supports the gift of new life for people and communities, bringing to light the blessing to be besieged in the essence of grace that can only be through Our Lord, Our God.

I am inspired by our Catholic Charities network: parish social ministers, community organizers, educators, social workers, youth, elderly, and others who minister daily for and in partnership with others in collective visioning--ensuring that all people can engage meaningfully and gain the tools needed to build and live with dignity in a just and sustainable world. 

The promise of the Resurrection is transformative. Through healing and change, we are strengthened by our witness and are able to see the face of Jesus in the people we serve and support.

Written by Christina Baldera
Training Manager, Parish Social Ministry; Catholic Charities USA