Easter Tuesday

The voluntary self-gift of Jesus on the cross was his free acceptance of all creation in its weakness and imperfection. He chose to become a divine brother to humanity, and by giving himself to God totally, he invites all of his brothers and sisters with him into that same relationship of belonging. "Chosen in Christ from all eternity" is the way Ephesians puts it (1:4).

The raising up of Jesus (which is the correct way to say it) is the confirmation of God's standing and universal relationship with what he created ("covenant love"). Jesus stands forever as our Promise, our Guarantee, and our Victory (1 Corinthians 1:30) of what God is doing everywhere and all the time. The only way you can absent yourself from this victory is to stand alone and apart. Inside communion you are forever safe and saved.