And Their Words Seemed to Them Like Idle Tales

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Keraza Magazine issue 17-18, May 5, 2017

St. Luke documented for us the disciples’ reaction to the news of the Lord’s resurrection brought to them by Maries saying, "And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them" (Luke 24:11). This reminds us of a similar situation that happened with St. Paul when he was defending himself before Agrippa saying, "Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?...Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" (Acts 26:8,24). This means that the news of resurrection is perceived by some people as idle tales and irrational mad stories. Someone may object thinking that this would happen only with the nonbelievers who are not born by the Holy Spirit as long as no human mind can realize the news of resurrection without the revelation of the Holy Spirit. But unfortunately, this is not the case. I dare saying that Christ’s resurrection became for many Christians like idle tales!! Although they repeat daily in the Creed, "And on the third day He rose from the dead according to the Scriptures", yet they deny its power and effectiveness in their personal attitudes, behaviors and concepts. A Christian who is curbed under the burdens of worries and sorrows sees the words of the one who preaches to him the joy of resurrection as idle tales. The sinner who is restrained with sins losing hope in deliverance from its bonds sees the words of the one who preaches to him the hope of resurrection as idle tales. The one who neglects his journey of spiritual struggle sees the words of the one who motivates him to struggle as convenient to resurrection as idle tales. The one who loves the world and plunges in its passions sees the words of the one who reminds him to seek those things that are above, where Christ the Resurrected is sitting, as idle tales. The one who becomes angry at his brethren giving him a cold shoulder sees the words of the one who pushes him to forgive, as he was forgiven by the Lord’s death and resurrection, as idle tales. The one who seeks his own glory worshiping his own ego sees the words of the one who reminds him to return all glory to the Christ risen from the dead as idle tales. The one who breaks the commandment and neglect it sees the words of the one who reminds him of the condemnation expected for whoever neglects so great a salvation which was achieved by the Resurrection as idle tales.

Our Lord Jesus Christ once wondered and is still wondering throughout the generations, "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth" (Luke 18:8). Which type of faith is expected from us by the One who rose from the dead? Is not it a faith in resurrection that is effective not only on the level of uttered words and logic but also on the level of practice and deeds? Behold St. Paul proclaims in sorrow saying, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away" (2 Timothy 3:1-5).

Is not this exactly the real madness to crucify again for ourselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame?!!

Bishop Youssef
Bishop, Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States