Homily: The Risen Jesus Is Looking For Our Response to His Love | Fr. Mathias Thelen

St. Patrick Catholic Parish Podcast

In this homily given at St Pat's on Easter Sunday, (April 17, 2022), Fr. Mathias preaches about the truth of the Resurrection as it was first preached by St Peter, the first Pope, in the Acts of the Apostles. If Jesus really is risen from the dead, then God is looking for a response to the revelation of his love. As we look at our desire for heaven, we realize that what we're really desiring is Jesus himself and what he can offer us. Since God will not force us to love him in heaven, Father Mathias challenges us to give Jesus a chance by getting to know him so we can freely respond. Jesus wants us to know him so we can live with him forever.
For those interested in two resources on arguments for Jesus see these two books (one is simpler and other is more advanced).
1) Yes, There is a God...And Other Answers to Life's Big Questions by John Bergsma
https://www.amazon.com/There-Other-Answers-Lifes-Questions/dp/1593253109/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WARPYA32UFE0&keywords=yes+there+is+a+god+bergsma&qid=1650219849&sprefix=yes+there+is+a+god+bergsma%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1
2) The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ by Brant Pitre
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Jesus-Biblical-Historical-Evidence/dp/0770435483/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2FZJL5RDORBUD&keywords=the+case+for+Jesus+brant&qid=1650219544&sprefix=the+case+for+jesus+brant%2Caps%2C88&sr=8-1