Although Jesus had foretold his resurrection, even the apostles found it difficult to believe that he really rose from the dead. All their hopes and dreams were shattered by the brutal fact of the crucifixion. Not even the empty tomb was sufficient proof for them. Only after meeting the risen Lord and eating with him could they believe that the one who died on the cross has really defeated death. This new awareness filled them with joy and courage.
The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that we too will be once raised from death. This will happen only at the end of the world. With the resurrection of the bodies, death itself will cease to exist. Hope in the resurrection and eternal life enables the believers to accept all the trials and suffering of this world with joy and to stand for truth and justice under all circumstances with courage.
