We Have Seen the Lord

Fri May 28 2021

Christ appeared to his disciples and to many others after he rose from the dead, numerous times over the forty days leading up to his Ascension. What happened at those appearances? What was their purpose? And how do the Gospel writers understand what was happening? Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick explore the vision of the resurrected Jesus Christ.

Transcript

Steve (0:00)

He will be a staff for the righteous with which for them to stand and not to fall. And he will be the light of the nations and the hope of those whose hearts are troubled. All who dwell on the earth will fall down and worship him. And they will praise and bless and celebrate with song the lord of spirits. First Enoch, chapter 48, verses 4 through 5. The modern world doesn't acknowledge, but is nevertheless haunted by spirits and angels, demons and saints. In our time, many yearn to break free of the prison of a flat secular materialism, to see and to know reality as it truly is. What is this spiritual reality like? How do we engage with it? Well, how do we permeate everyday life with spiritual presence? Orthodox Christian priests Father Andrew Stephen Damick and Fr. Stephen DeYoung host this live call in show focused on enchantment in creation, the union of the seen and unseen as made by God and experienced by mankind throughout history. Welcome to the Lord of Spirits.

Father Andrew Stephen Damick (1:06)

Welcome back to the Lord of Spirits podcast where it's the weirdest Bible study ever. I am Father Andrew Stephen Damick in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. And my co host, Father Stephen DeYoung is with me from Lafayette, Louisiana. If you're listening to us live, you can call in at 855-AF-RADIO. That's 855-237-2346. As you just heard the voice of Steve tell you, Matuska Trudy will be taking your calls tonight and we're going to get to those. In the second half of today's show, the appearances of the resurrected Christ are emphasized so repeatedly in Orthodox tradition that there's a cycle of 11 resurrectional appearances by Christ that are repeated at the Sunday Orthros Gospels throughout the year. And they're announced by the priest while he is facing the north. And if you listen to our episodes on Sacred Geography, you know that that is the direction of God's enemies. These are the gospel readings used as the announcement of victory against those who oppose the Lord. That's how important they are. Yet the resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ are often thought of as a kind of denouement in the Gospels, an epilogue after the main action of Holy Week. Or sometimes they're understood as the evangelist presenting evidence to prove that Jesus rose from the dead. But is that what's really going on? And why does no one seem to recognize Jesus even when they see him? So in typical Lord of Spirits fashion, before we answer those questions, we need to set the stage. So let's begin with what exactly it means when we say that Jesus resurrected Father Stephen, doesn't that just mean that it was like when you see the doctors shock a dead patient in the operating room and he jumps up gasping and is just like he was before?

Announcer (2:51)

No.

Father Andrew Stephen Damick (2:54)

Summary

The Lord of Spirits Podcast

Episode: We Have Seen the Lord

Date: May 28, 2021
Hosts: Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick & Fr. Stephen De Young
Theme: The Seen and Unseen World in Orthodox Christian Tradition — Understanding the Resurrection Appearances of Christ

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the profound meaning and significance of the resurrection appearances of Jesus Christ, especially as understood in the Orthodox tradition. Rather than viewing these appearances as mere historical 'epilogues' or proof texts, the hosts reveal them as the revelation of Christ’s divine identity and the inauguration of the Day of the Lord—a theologically and liturgically central theme. Through discussion, scriptural exegesis, and interaction with callers, they challenge both “flat” materialist readings and fundamentalist tendencies, inviting listeners into a deeper engagement with spiritual reality.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Resurrection: Not Mere Resuscitation

Materialist misunderstandings:
- The resurrection is not Jesus being shocked back to life like in a hospital scene or merely returning like Lazarus.
- “This is not flatliners… This is a completely different sort of thing.” (Fr. Stephen, 02:57)
Linguistic nuance:
- In Greek liturgical formula, "Christos Anesti" uses “anesti” (arise/stand), distinct from “eiro” ("get up" after sleep), which frames the resurrection as the event of God “arising to judge” (03:00–08:00).
- Christ’s resurrection is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies about God’s cosmic visitation and judgment.

2. The Day of the Lord: Biblical & Liturgical Roots

Judgment and Justice:
- The “Day of the Lord” is about God visiting His people to set things right—restoring justice, not simply punishing crime (12:21–15:49).
- “Justice biblically is not criminal justice… It's a state of being where… everything is in proper order and functioning together.” (Fr. Stephen, 15:15)
Prophetic and liturgical patterns:
- Resurrectional appearances relate to cycles in Orthodox Matins (Orthros)—the 11 Eothina Gospels—proclaimed as “an announcement of victory against those who oppose the Lord” (01:06–05:52).
- Old Testament language (especially Psalms) calling God to "arise" is echoed in resurrection hymns and readings (34:14).

3. Resurrection Appearances: More Than Evidence

Not meant as forensic proof:
- St. Paul’s emphasis on appearances (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) is not about courtroom-style witness but carries apostolic and eschatological weight (62:01–64:19).
- The Gospels deliberately include details that undermine a “testimonial” style, e.g., disciples often don’t recognize Christ post-resurrection (69:02–71:11).
  - “If this is supposed to be evidence… why include the detail that they did not recognize him?” (Fr. Andrew, 69:11)
Theophanic Encounter:
- The shift from “seeing Jesus” to “seeing the Lord” is paralleled to the Transfiguration. Post-resurrection, Christ reveals His identity in glory—this is a spiritual revelation, not a photographable event (83:13–84:25).
- “You can't present evidence that Jesus of Nazareth is Yahweh, the God who created the universe.” (Fr. Stephen, 86:30)

4. Apostolic Experience & Mission

Prophetic commission:
- The apostles are made such through the experience of seeing the Lord (91:00).
- The prophets and apostles are “sent ones” who have encountered God firsthand—a reality reflected in both biblical terminology and the Arabic language distinction between nabi and rasul (88:54–91:15).
- “The apostles are those who had this prophetic experience… and that happened in these resurrection appearances.” (Fr. Stephen, 92:00)
Liturgical participation:
- The proclamation of resurrection Gospels in liturgy is an “announcement of victory,” but also a commissioning: “The apostles are proclaiming a warning that Christ is risen… that you and I are now going out into the world” (145:58–146:11).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“The resurrection is not just Jesus waking up off an operating table… the stone is rolled away so others can enter and see that he’s not there.”
— Fr. Andrew (08:00)
“Justice… is when someone does something that throws things out of whack. To judge is to come and put that back into the correct order.”
— Fr. Stephen (15:49)
“If this is evidence for the resurrection, why does no one recognize Jesus?”
— Fr. Andrew (69:02)
“We don’t go around festively proclaiming ‘Lazarus is risen’… because it’s not the same phenomenon.”
— Fr. Stephen (09:46)
“What is being described in these resurrection appearances is… Christ revealing His glory to them. This is talking about His divine identity.”
— Fr. Stephen (83:13)
“Every Orthodox Christian is sent out into the world as demon-slaying apostles. The reason we read the Gospel to the north is to tell the spirits: You’ve lost, and God’s people are coming.”
— Paraphrased conclusion from Fr. Stephen (145:58–146:19)

Important Segment Timestamps

The nature of resurrection (not just resuscitation): 02:51–10:18
Day of the Lord in Scripture and Liturgy: 10:37–22:21
Prophetic/Resurrection Patterns, Old Testament Typology: 23:15–35:39
Pascha as the fulfillment of the day God “arises”: 36:18–38:47
Christ as the Anastasis (John 11/lazarus): 40:12–46:32
Last Days and Eschatological Time: 46:51–48:19
The problem with ‘evidence’ in Paul’s creedal summary: 62:01–65:54
Details of “unrecognizability” of the risen Christ: 69:02–71:02, 77:38–84:25
Prophetic commission/Apostolic identity: 87:49–92:00
Liturgical participation and commissioning: 143:36–147:25

Caller Questions & Insightful Responses

On seeing the risen Christ in the Old Testament (e.g., in Eden):
- “Yes, it’s the same Christ, but the way He manifests is different. Identity isn’t mere visual appearance; ancient society did not define people by their photo.” (54:03–58:20)
On hell as a state of mind versus a place:
- “Scripture offers varied and even contradictory images… These are not meant as literal blueprints but to deter us from the road of sin. Don’t let this happen to you. Repent.” (98:03–104:18)
On the value of historical-critical scholarship:
- “The methodology is flawed, but combing through scholarly research can provide historical context, connections, and data that, with proper discernment, can be put to good use.” (109:09–111:41)

Final Reflections

The resurrection appearances, as structured in Orthodox liturgy and scripture, are not afterthoughts but central events unveiling the true, divine identity of Jesus Christ.
To encounter these appearances is to be invited to see Him as He is and to be sent, like the apostles, to bear witness and act in the world—restoring, healing, proclaiming victory over the powers of darkness.
Christ’s risen presence is not about sentimental reassurance, but a cosmic commissioning:
- “Where there’s strife, we act as peacemakers… When God’s people go out after receiving Christ in the Eucharist, we are sent into the world. The demons know it. The powers know it. The world changes.” (Fr. Stephen, 145:06–147:25)
Liturgical life is not to be passively experienced; it’s the training ground for transformation and mission: ‘Go to Matins!’” (139:06)

For Listeners New & Old

This episode is a compelling, robust guide to the Resurrection as the climax and engine of the Christian life. It delivers a mix of lively banter, profound liturgical insight, and a call to step into the reality of the risen Christ—both seen and unseen—every day.