Continuing with the theme, “His youth teaches us.”
32. On the other hand, Jesus is risen, and he wants to make us sharers in the new life of the resurrection. He is the true youthfulness of a world grown old, the youthfulness of a universe waiting “in travail” (Rom 8:22) to be clothed with his light and to live his life. With him at our side, we can drink from the true wellspring that keeps alive all our dreams, our projects, our great ideals, while impelling us to proclaim what makes life truly worthwhile.
So, Jesus is more than role model. While we can identify with the human being, we can also draw upon his grace in reflecting on the Resurrection. This is really good advice for a believer of any age.
Turning to the second gospel, and that mysterious young man we notice Palm Sunday every third year …
Two curious details in the Gospel of Mark show how those risen with Christ are called to authentic youth. In the Lord’s passion we see a young man who wanted to follow Jesus, but in fear ran away naked (cf. 14:51-52); he lacked the strength to stake everything on following the Lord. Yet at the empty tomb, we see another young person, “dressed in a white tunic” (16:5), who tells the women not to be afraid and proclaims the joy of the resurrection (cf. 16:6-7).
Like Genesis, nakedness, shame, and withdrawal from God link together. In contrast, the messenger on the third day, clothed in white, addresses other disciples and encourages them. We’ll get to the role of encourager a bit more in the text ahead. Meanwihle, any comments? Remember to check Pope Francis’ Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation on this link at the Vatican site.
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