TODAY’S WORD…

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;

even my body shall rest in safety.

For You will not leave my soul among the dead,

nor let Your beloved know decay.

You will show me the path of life,

the fullness of joy in Your presence,

at Your right hand happiness for ever.

– Psalm 16:9-11 (Grail Psalms)

REFLECTION…

These verses of this Psalm could be Jesus’ own – referring to His resurrection. But they can also, in a way, be our own words. If we have a personal experience of the Lord, and seek to devote ourselves to Him as our constant guide, our protector, our joy and well-being, then these words can reflect our hope. Christ’s resurrection is the promise and prelude of our own final resurrection on the last day. As believers, we are full of confident hope that we too will rise from the grave.

Our souls are naturally immortal. When they leave the body they remain alive, to enter an eternity whose happiness or misery depends on how well we have served God during our mortal life on earth.

Our bodies will decay and return to the dust from which they come. But only for a while. In God’s own time – provided we have been faithful to the divine will before death – these dead bodies will be glorified. They will be immortal, never to die again. They will be resplendent with beauty, never again endure pain…not unlike the risen body of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER…

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You

– because of Easter, You have made it possible for me to have a new beginning.

Thank You for Your death on the cross, paying the penalty for my sins.

Thank You for Your resurrection.

You are alive and now You offer me new life, power and hope

here and now and for all eternity.

Please forgive my sins and make me part of Your family.

I gladly receive You, Lord, and place my full trust in You.

Amen.