Both are active endeavors. After his crucifixion and death, the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples in bodily form. That is the insistent testimony of scripture. He appeared in particular places and at particular times. His presence was quite concrete, even though it challenges our human understanding.
Embodiment is very important to our faith.
Jesus did not return as a vague spiritual presence. He returned from the tomb in bodily form. But our tendency is to objectify. We want to know Jesus through the lenses of historical and scientific objectivity. This is our way of getting our minds around this strange presence called Jesus of Nazareth.