Some years ago, I had the privilege of making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Our guide, a Jewish man, expertly guided us through many important sites of our faith: 

"Here is where Jesus was born." 

"Here is where Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount."

"Here is where Jesus' cross stood." 

Feeling emboldened on the final day of the trip, I asked him how, after knowing all these sites of Jesus' life, he still remained Jewish. He said, "My friend, our faiths are quite similar. But just one word separates us: resurrection." 

What makes us different as followers of Jesus? Resurrection. 

This is what St. Paul tells the Christians of Corinth in our Second Reading: "If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pitiable people of all." 

Our faith in Jesus as Lord resides not in Him as simply a wise teacher or as a friendly man come to inject "good vibes" to a hurting world. 

No, "Christ has been raised from the dead." When we gather as a Church every Sunday, we remember this fact.

Lord Jesus, increase my faith in Your resurrection. Amen.