Reflection by Deacon Matt

Reflection for 3rd Sunday of Easter:

Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41: Consider the spiritual transformation in the disciples; and especially the changes in Peter! They‟ve grown from being paralyzed with fear and hiding out in a locked room, to assertively confronting their persecutors. These same persecutors had relentlessly fought Jesus, to the point of even killing Him, and now they‟re threatening the disciples with the same fate. Ponder the effects of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. They‟re now brave, bold and equipped with a Heaven-sent diplomacy that unsettles their opponents. Let‟s consider this week what gifts and virtues that we might need in order to fulfill God‟s missions for each of us. Then, let‟s confidently ask for them and be prepared to receive and employ them!

Psalm 30: “I will praise You, Lord, for You have rescued me.” For the early disciples, Jesus‟ death on the Cross must have, at first, seemed like a confusing defeat of a powerful life of love and mission. Providentially, our Lord‟s Resurrection and appearances afterward dispelled this erroneous assumption and promulgated the truth about Jesus‟ redemption of us and victory over sin and death! Upon realizing the miracle and victory of the Resurrection, imagine the euphoria and wonder experienced by those who believe! Their delight and enthusiasm were, no doubt, a very positive witness to others! There‟s a similar aura of thanksgiving and liberation from persecution and defeat in this psalm.

We might take time to consider whether we demonstrate enough enthusiasm for our faith and God‟s goodness. Are we attracting and convincing others to have faith in God, by the way we live out our faith and by what we share with others, concerning our faith, day by day?
Rev 5:11-14: Joining St. John in a spirit of adoration and worship of the Lord, let‟s ponder this passage; giving a glimpse of Jesus in all of His splendor and glory. In this vision, we encounter Jesus, with eternal authority and Divine resplendence. Clearly, we‟re being shown and told that our Lord has divine power and authority over us all. We can benefit from taking time to reflect on our personal relationship with the Lord, given that, one day, we will, each and all, encounter the Lord as our Judge.

Do we have “problem situations,” for which we might benefit from seeking counsel from the Lord? Surely, we all have sins, for which we need to request forgiveness! Lastly, are there others we need to forgive; such that we‟ll then be ready and able to accept forgiveness ourselves?!

John 21:1-19: Today‟s Gospel message shows Jesus‟ “revealing Himself,” by appearing to seven of the eleven Apostles after the Resurrection. In this “revelation,” Jesus appears on the seashore, after the disciples had had an unsuccessful fishing trip. When Jesus directs them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, they recognize the Lord, after they, consequently caught a miraculous number of fish. When they reach shore, they find Jesus with some fish and bread, already on a grill. Jesus reveals Himself, as He‟s always been; hospitable, sociable, and even miraculously able to provide for us all! Jesus then reveals Himself to Peter, as merciful and forgiving; after giving Peter three opportunities to affirm his love and devotion for the Lord… after so recently betraying Him! We also could take some “quiet time.” How is the Lord revealing Himself to us?

Deacon Matt