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April 22, 2023Reflection for 3rd Sunday of Easter: April 23, 2023
Acts 2:14; 22-33: Here, we see Peter ascribing responsibility to, or accusing the Jewish people of Jerusalem of handing Jesus over to the Romans. Peter comments on the unfairness of the peoples’ actions, given that God has demonstrated clearly to the people that Jesus is God via countless compelling “deeds of power” and other wonders and miraculous “signs.” Peter observes, rightly that these miracles were worked in the very midst of the people, justifying indignation and condemnation of their lack of recognizing and welcoming their Messiah. However, after reminding the people of their sinful rejection of Jesus, Peter shares the message of Jesus’ mercy, forgiveness and redemption of all who will welcome our Lord, even now.
Take time to reflect more this week on God’s infinite mercy and love; that compels God, despite our sinfulness, to love us enough to forgive us and offer us salvation through Jesus’ Sacrifice of Himself, for us, on the Cross. How blessed we are!
Psalm 16: “Lord, You will show us the path of life.” This is a psalm of great hope and confidence in God. The psalmist expresses confidence in God as a refuge and protector in challenging times of danger and distress. The author acknowledges with peaceful submission and serene acceptance that God is in control; (i.e. “You it is Who hold fast my lot.”) The psalmist isn’t worrying. He or she is basking in trust and faith in God’s goodness.
In this psalm, we praise God for His wise counsel, for His ever-present availability and for God’s eternal attentiveness to our every want and need. This psalm is often sung at Passover feasts, but it would also be calming bedtime reading and reciting. Wind down with these verses to provide you with sweet dreams and a peaceful spirit!
1 Peter 1:17-21: As in today’s first reading, Peter reminds us that we’ll be held responsible for our sins and for the way we live our lives and treat others; family, friends and even strangers… (recalling the story of the Good Samaritan). When we’re told by Peter that we’re “to conduct ourselves with reverence,” have we considered what that means? It means that we’re to live, even here on earth, as if we’re in God’s Presence… even to treat one another with reverence and respect, as God dwells within each individual. Jesus, Himself showed us this beautiful Way of love. Jesus cautions us that we’ll be judged one day by how well we live out this ministerial calling. Will we live it out merely out of fear of punishment, or as it’s truly meant to be lived… as a freely chosen act of reverence, worship and love for God and His people?
Luke 24:13-35: Do we ever take time to notice or appreciate the many ways we minister to one another? When we, like the disciples on the way to Emmaus engage in faith-sharing, we’re clearly serving one another “spiritual food.” We minister to one another when we offer one another encouragement, concern and empathy. In the afterlife, we’ll hear many stories of how some humble soul’s sharing of faith experiences and demonstrations of love and caring concern powerfully transforms some listening person’s soul and their future life! Gestures of kindness that we might dismiss as trivial may be very important to God.
Acts of service to others truly brings Jesus’ Presence to people who may not otherwise encounter Christ or recognize Him. “Breaking and sharing the Bread” of Loving concern, service and Scripture manifests Jesus to others. Let’s do it!
Enthusiastically,
Deacon Matt
