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.