ACC ~ Mark 16 v6b

THE QUICKENING POWER OF HIS RESURRECTION

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTIONS: The resurrection in which we believe is that which has already been demonstrated in the resurrection of our Lord. For it is he that raised Lazarus after he had been in the grave four days, [1] and Jairus’ daughter, [2] and the widow’s son. [3] It is he that raised himself by the command of the Father in the space of three days, who is the pledge of our resurrection. For he says: “I am the resurrection and the life.” [4] Now the very One who brought Jonah [5] alive and unhurt out of the belly of the whale in the space of three days, and who brought the three children out of the furnace of Babylon and Daniel out of the mouth of the lions, [6] does not lack power to raise us up also. CONSTITUTIONS OF THE HOLY APOSTLES 5.7. [7]

[1] Cf. Jn 11:1-44.

[2] Cf. Mk 5:21-43.

[3] Cf. Lk 7:11-15.

[4] Jn 11:25.

[5] Cf. Jon 2:1-10.

[6] Cf. Dan 3:1-30; 6:1-28.

[7] PG 1:844; ANF 7:440*. The power of his resurrection is the premise of ours. We are being raised to new life because of his resurrection, which demonstrates that God does not lack power to raise us also.

THE DEATH OF DEATH

AUGUSTINE: He died, but he vanquished death; in himself he put an end to what we feared; he took it upon himself and he vanquished it, as a mighty hunter he captured and slew the lion. [1] Where is death? Seek it in Christ, for it exists no longer; but it did exist and now it is dead. O life, O death of death! Be of good heart; it will die in us, also. What has taken place in our head will take place in his members; death will die in us also. But when? At the end of the world, at the resurrection of the dead in which we believe and concerning which we do not doubt. SERMON 233.3-4. [2]

[1] Cf. 1 Sam 17:34-36.

[2] Cetedoc 0284, 233.38.1114.27; FC 38:221.

HIS RESURRECTION RECAPITULATED IN OUR BAPTISM

BASIL OF SELEUCIA: Christ descended into hell to liberate its captives. In one instant he destroyed all record of our ancient debt incurred under the law, in order to lead us to heaven where there is no death but only eternal life and righteousness. By the baptism which you, the newly enlightened, have just received, you now share in these blessings. Your initiation into the life of grace is the pledge of your resurrection. Your baptism is the promise of the life of heaven. By your immersion you imitated the burial of the Lord, but when you came out of the water you were conscious only of the reality of the resurrection. … The grace of the Spirit works in a mysterious way in the font, and the outward appearance must not obscure the wonder of it. Although water serves as the instrument, it is grace which gives rebirth. Grace transforms all who are placed in the font as the seed is transformed in the womb. It refashions all who go down into the water as metal is recast in a furnace. It reveals to them the mysteries of immortality; it seals them with the pledge of resurrection. These wonderful mysteries are symbolized for you, the newly enlightened, even in the garments you wear. See how you are clothed in the outward signs of these blessings. The radiant brightness of your robe stands for incorruptibility. The white band encircling your head like a diadem proclaims your liberty. In your hand you hold the sign of your victory over the devil. Christ is showing you that you have risen from the dead. He does this now in a symbolic way, but soon he will reveal the full reality if we keep the garment of faith undefiled and do not let sin extinguish the lamp of grace. If we preserve the crown of the Spirit, the Lord will call from heaven in a voice of tremendous majesty, yet full of tenderness: Come, blessed of my Father, take possession of the kingdom prepared for you since the beginning of the world. To him be glory and power for ever, through endless ages, amen. EASTER HOMILY. [1]

[1] TLG 2800.003, 28.1080.23-42; JF B 46-47.