March 31 2024: The Wounds Are Still There - Michael Hidalgo (Easter Sunday)

When we first encounter the wounds of Jesus, it is horrific. He is crucified. Nails are hammered through his flesh, tearing fibers as they are forced through his hands and feet. This, of course, to hold him in place as he hangs on the cross spiraling toward death. After he breathes his last, a soldier approaches him and thrusts a spear into his side, from that wound blood and water flow. These wounds are what lead to his death. 

Three days later, Jesus is raised from the dead, still bearing these wounds. But now, somehow, these wounds that lead to his death and the wounds that bring us life. “By his wounds we are healed …” says the prophet, Isaiah. It’s no wonder then that Jesus points to these wounds, inviting Thomas to touch them, and when he does touch them, they lead to his belief. This teaches us that Resurrection does not deny death. It embraces it. It takes it seriously. It does not say, “Everything will be fine.” Resurrection says, “Everything will be transformed.”