Resurrection

“In this volume, Father Matera presumes and builds on others’ work on the historical issues regarding the empty tomb narratives and the appearances of the risen Jesus, and focuses this work exclusively on the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection for those who believe in and try to follow him. The result is an unfolding of both the remarkable variety and the surprising coherence of the New Testament writers’ treatment of the resurrection—variety in the narrative details of the gospel accounts and in the language and imagery of the letters and the Apocalypse, and coherence within each individual gospel and among all the other writings. What emerges from his study of this diversity is a stunning coherence in the underlying vision regarding such elements as the relationship between Jesus’ preaching of the kingdom of God and the general resurrection, or God’s raising of Jesus as a victory over the power of evil, the vindication of an apparently defeated Jesus, and the promise of everlasting life in a new creation begun with Jesus’ resurrection, furthered by the Spirit’s empowerment of the church, and fulfilled in the ultimate resurrection of the faithful.”
Dennis Hamm, SJ, Professor Emeritus at Creighton University
“With this volume, Fr. Matera offers inquiring Christians a valuable gift for Easter (or for any time of the year). In it, he clearly, concisely, and incisively presents the perspectives of the New Testament authors on the mystery of the resurrection and highlights the multi-faceted significance of the resurrection for individual Christians and the Church as a whole today.”
Rev. Christopher Begg
Professor of Old Testament
Catholic University of America
Fr. Frank Matera is both a distinguished biblical scholar and a wise pastor. Both qualities are on display in this exceptionally clear and thorough study of the meaning of the Resurrection for Christian faith. Written for a broad audience it demonstrates that the mystery of the Resurrection not only reveals a God of Life and vindicates Jesus' mission to the world but also is the dynamic inspiration for the mission of the Church and for a hope-filled Christian life. Here is truly substantial and nourishing spiritual reading for those who want to plunge deeply into the beauty and power of the gospel.
Donald Senior, CP , President Emeritus, Catholic Theological Union
With his usual clarity and brilliance, Matera presents a comprehensive mosaic of the multiple images, metaphors, and expressions used by each of the New Testament authors to speak of Christ's resurrection. Like a diamond whose many facets refract the light differently with each turn, so Matera illumines the theological meaning of this mystery for Jesus' followers.
Barbara E. Reid, OP, Vice President and Academic Dean, Catholic Theological Union