Recently a filmmaker claimed he might have found Jesus's tomb, as well as his that of his "wife" and "son", Mary Magdalene and Judah. His bones will never be found! St. Paul writes that his body, at the resurrection, was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and that he now shares in divine life and can today be called "the man of heaven" (cf.1Cor.15: 35-50). No one actually witnessed his resurrection and not one of the evangelists described the event. But they did describe the historical event of the empty tomb, as it was discovered by the women the following morning. Jesus appeared to them disguised as a gardener. Then, he appeared to his disciples at various times. He showed them that he was not a ghost, displaying to them that he was in the same body that had endured the suffering and death on the cross, bearing the signs of his passion (Cf. Jn 20:20, 27; 21:9: 12-15). He also reveals, in his post-resurrection appearances, that he is now no longer limited by space and time. This underscores that his resurrection was not a return to earthly life as was the case in some of his miracles, such as with Lazarus or the widow's son at Naim. The risen Christ has not revealed himself to the world. So, as we read throughout the Acts of the Apostles, that the disciples to whom he appeared became his witnesses to the early Christian community and to us. Belief in the resurrection of Christ remains at the very heart of the mystery of our faith. It is something that transcends and surpasses history. We believe in the authenticity of everything that is contained in the Scriptures about it. And not a single claim of a film maker about finding Jesus's tomb, as well as his that of his "wife" and "son", Mary Magdalene and Judah, will ever change our belief. Christ is Risen! Risen Indeed! |