Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Divine Mercy Sunday: April 16, 2023
 
Acts 2:42-47: Whenever I contemplate this passage, I think it describes what I could imagine as a “foretaste of Heaven on earth.” Picture people being so moved by the new Christian message of love, that they are  inspired to give up, or at least to share all of their possessions, willingly! What a beautiful witness these followers give with their extravagant generosity! It reminds me of Lazarus’s  sister, Mary’s spilling and using all of her expensive perfume, to wash Jesus’ feet!

Love and generosity beyond comprehension fills Jesus’ followers; even today. This self-denying, sacrificial love certainly evidences the Presence of the Holy Spirit. Such holy and sincerely tender love gives off its own “spiritual fragrance,” not unlike Mary’s perfume. However, this “perfume of love” can only be “smelled” or fully appreciated by those sensitive to the “movings” of the Holy Spirit. In the eyes of the world, this is folly.

Psalm 118: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love is everlasting.” After the powerful witness of today’s first reading, we sing a song of love, in praise of God’s boundless mercy. When people give up  all to live the faith, it’s an act of love and communion; joining one with other believers. Additionally, it’s an act of mercy that acknowledges that others may not have been as fortunate and blessed as oneself. Therefore, the holy soul, filled with the Holy Spirit, is inspired to share her or his wealth with others. How great is our God and how powerful are His promptings!

After witnessing such profound transformations in converted believers, we’re truly inspired to give thanks to God, Whose Love truly is… everlasting! Savor the miracles we’re witnessing, here… souls set free from former greed, over-attachment to possessions and possibly ill-gotten gains from unfair and dishonest business practices. What a miracle, indeed!

1 Peter1: 3-9:  As we contemplate this passage, let’s rejoice with  Peter in the “Loving Hope” that we’ve been given and find… both  within us, and around us… (in others). Let’s rejoice that the Love we’ve been given has the power to transform us into “new creations;” saved souls who live for God and serve Him, while caring for and  sharing with others. It’s no less a miracle now, than it was in Jesus’ time. when we witness the impact knowing Jesus has on ourselves and others; how can we keep from singing?!

Nevertheless, as Peter observes; our Christian lives won’t be all bliss, nor be free of faith-testing trials. Lord, strengthen our souls to endure earthly “challenges,” by clinging to our faith and by offering all of our suffering to You… as a sacrifice of praise. We join our suffering with Yours, Jesus! Amen.

John20:19-31:  As Peter warns, there are trials and dangers that are a part of being a Christian disciple. We see that Christian faith and   principles are challenged and under attack… even now, in 2023! Like the early Christians, we want to find our “locked room,” where we’re tempted to hide our faith and keep silent from sharing it… but now the world needs our verbalized and public Christian witness the most! Come, O Blessed Trinity! Fill us with a firm and trusting faith. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit so that we have the courage to witness for the faith and for human life itself. Fill us with holy wisdom and gentle  diplomacy. May we, by Love and Mercy conquer the forces of darkness that surround us. Cause us to please You, Lord as the early Apostles did.

 Amen!
Deacon Matt