Christ Has Died, Christ Is Risen, Christ Will Come Again

Homily for Friday of the Second Week in Lent

The great stories of any religion aim to help us penetrate more deeply into the mysteries of daily life such as the suffering of the innocent, the prosperity of the wicked, and the seeming indifference of God to tragedy. Today’s readings involve two great and parallel stories of the Jewish and Christian faith.

Joseph’s story is so well-known that we easily find ourselves thinking ahead to when, as a result of his brothers’ treachery, he becomes a powerful man in Egypt. The text that we read today reminds us of the tragedy that led to this result. Joseph’s brothers rejected him and sold him into slavery.

The Gospel text refers to the central story of the Christian faith; namely, that of the suffering, death, and the triumph of Jesus over death. Like Joseph, Jesus was also rejected, but in his case, by the religious leaders of his faith.

In both instances, the stories vividly and memorably remind us that God can bring good, even superlative good, out of human tragedy. These stories, therefore, help all believers who suffer sorrows, disappointments, worries, and fears in their daily lives. Through faith, we remember that tragedy does not have the last word. Our faith teaches us that God will prevail just as God prevailed in the life of Joseph and in the life of Jesus.

Before the third addition of the Roman missal was published, one of the acclamations used after the consecration of the bread and wine was: “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.” I am not sure why this particular acclamation was not kept in the current edition of the missal. However, I do think that it is a way for us to remember when we face difficulties that God will come to our aid if our trust is placed in God. Use it as a mantra throughout the day today.