Risk and reward

Acts 2:14,22-33; Psalm 16 Lord, you will show us the path of life; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35

Twelve years ago, I decided to enter the seminary to discern whether or not I was being called to the priesthood. It was a pretty important moment. In order to be accepted by the diocese and by the seminary I had to do some things first, like get a full physical, and I mean full physical. I also was required to do a psychological exam; they wanted to see If i was crazy or had other potential harmful qualities.

I guess I am okay. PErhaps???

The last part was required by the university. The university required myself and the rest of the seminarians to write an essay in order to get in to the university. This entrance essay, which many universities require, was on an interesting topic.

The question I was write and discuss was the following, "IF you could change one event or date or disinvent something in history what would it be in why?

Looking at history as we know it, what one event would I undo.

This question gave me a pause think about the major events and dates and inventions in the history of the world. I began to think about the top ten events in all of the world history.

What would make your top ten list of great moments in World History that altered the world forever?

I immediately thought about Aug 6, 1945, the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima. This certainly changed the way we harnessed power from the earth and utilized it; it also changed how we understood warfare.

Or perhaps it was Dec 7, 1941. The Attack on PEarl Harbor certainly was world changing.

I thought about the race to space and how that changed the way we travel and communicate even today.

The invention of refrigeration was certainly big. Imagine a world with out refrigerators or AC. We would still be eating alot of salted meats.

IN door plumbing has had a drastic effect on our lifestyle. Outhouses were good but really, who doesn't like the current flushing system.

The discovery of penicillin was huge. How many lives have been saved? How many more advancements in medicine was piggy backed on this discovery?

The 4th century when Constantine legalized Christianity certainly has shaped the western civilization.

The birth of Mohammed and the rise of Islam? The birth of JEsus Christ? The Invention of the Printing Press?

There are so many major events even without mentioning gunpowder and dynamite; imagine a world with out fireworks.

But what would make your top ten list of major events.

As we look at your list and check it twice, How many of us would put the resurrection of Jesus on that list?


The birth of JEsus without the resurrection seems a bit inadequate.
Without the resurrection then we are left with the same sentiments as the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. AS they speaks about JEsus they mention he was a good man, with a good reputation, he had mighty words and deeds before god and man. He was an inspiration but ultimately he was a failure; ultimate he was a dead man.

Without the resurrection this is where it ends.

But with the resurrection, the world begins to change. The resurrection is an evolutionary leap so to speak. It alters our human destiny forever.

Our life can never be the same after the resurrection. Not only doe sit alter our human destiny, it begins to impact daily lives. The power of the resurrection, the encounter with the risen Lord, begins to alter personalities. It brings out the best in people.

Look at today's first reading. Here we have Peter standing in front of a hostile crowd, staring them down and boldly proclaiming the message of the person of Christ. The message is no longer in the past tense but is focused on the present reality of Jesus being alive.

This is shocking. This Peter is a force to deal with, but just 50 days prior he was floundering and blubbering fool. He was in the garden avoiding recognition. He threw a tantrum when the servant girl asked about his connection with JEsus. He swore he didn't know the man. Three times before the cocked crowed, he denied him.

He was the one who wanted nothing to do with this suffering and condemnation. He kept his distance, he played it safe.

And now he risk everything. He stands tall and proclaims loudly, risking life and limb for the sake of Christ.

Talk about conversions....

This is what the resurrection does to people.

What has the resurrection done for you? What have you risked since you heard the news? How has your life been altered?

The resurrection is on the the top of my top ten list of events and dates that changed the world. Should it not be on yours.

If so, then prove it.

We have to risk the reward to truly proclaim this new life.