If Christ did not rise from the dead, our faith is empty. If he rise…
The world we live in is not all there is. This observation does not necessarily lead us to Platonism. Materialism and naturalism are not the right solution either. The world is good, it is beautiful and it is true. The body is not a bad thing, even if it gets old, gets sick and dies. The body is not the prison of the soul, but the vessel of the soul. It is a gift for which we are grateful. It is right to respect and care for the body and all that is creation. But it is true that everything in this world is transient. A man too.
God created the visible and the invisible world. With his resurrection from the dead, Jesus opened the door to eternity, broadened our horizons and opened a different vision of life.
The resurrection of Jesus also has a political dimension and affects the culture of living. To tyrants and dictators; even the philosophers and practitioners of undemocratic democracy (democratic totalitarianism, totalitarian democracy), even though they think they are all-powerful, time has run out. Intimidation and the death penalty no longer work. It seemed that those who achieved that Jesus was crucified would win. But they didn’t. The authorities decided that Jesus must be silenced forever. But he lives and dies no more. He was mocked, humiliated, tortured, murdered, but he lives and reigns. Tyrants do not have the last word!
The way of salvation is open. That’s why we bravely, relaxed and joyfully roam around it!
Hallelujah!
On behalf of Institute 1539, I wish everyone a blessed Easter! Bogdan Vidmar
Nova Gorica, 30 March 2024
