Deacon Matt's Reflection

Deacon Matt's Reflection:

Acts 5: 12-16: This passage proclaims the great faith and power to heal that was given to the Apostles and to the Christian community of disciples after the Resurrection. We’re told that many “signs and wonders” were done at that time. This passage alludes to the great variance of people’s reactions to the invitation to all to become Christian disciples. Some were afraid and declined to join the company of Apostles; while others bravely joined them, so that “great numbers of men and women were added to them.” Isn’t it impressive that in an act of extreme faith, believers brought the sick out into the open air, on mats, believing that even if Peter’s shadow fell upon them, that they would be healed? What a great example of confident, unshaken faith! We might contemplate this week how strong our faith is. Do we have the courage to profess our belief and faith, publicly? We may be called to do so before our lives end. The world needs strong Christians to witness to their faith, more than ever!

Psalm 118: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love is everlasting.” On this blessed Feast of Divine Mercy, we proclaim over and over: “His mercy endures forever!” The psalmist celebrates God’s merciful help to her or him, in the past, and thanks the Lord for his/her current faith and courage. We must thank God for the gifts of any faith and confident courage that accompanies our beliefs, as all faith and courage is a gift from God. We can never achieve them, of our own accord. All spiritual gifts are given to us by our divinely merciful God! As the psalmist attests, Jesus has become the cornerstone of the Catholic Church, our spiritual home. Let us, again rejoice and be glad. Our God supports and sustains us!

Rev 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19: John begins by stating that he shares with all of us both the rewards and the crosses or burdens of living the faith. John calls them the “distress, the Kingdom and the endurance we have in Jesus.” Admittedly, embracing the faith brings distress; because living the faith will bring rejection by some people among us. Living the faith may bring persecution, as well. However, it's heartening to reflect that living the faith, devoutly and consistently, will bring us to the Kingdom of God and result in our developing “endurance,” a strong and confident faith that can withstand and be victorious over times of temptation and trial. We may face many times of trial and tribulation, but the Christian faith and the Christian community will endure! Take hope in that promise.

John 20:19-31: As this passage begins, we find the Apostles and disciples hiding in a locked room, worried and afraid. They were having a crisis of faith and confidence. This passage validates what we’ve reflected on, above. All faith, hope, belief and courageous confidence are a gift from God. Here, we see a visit from Jesus, Himself, imparting peace to the gathered Apostles. He empowers them to forgive sins and sends them, and later, us… to go out and minister to others. The Apostles, including later on, Thomas and us… are called to go forth and share with others our faith and the Good News of the salvation offered us through Jesus’ Sacrifice of Himself on the Cross. Yes, we are being called to be missionaries, ourselves! On Divine Mercy Sunday and always, we’re being called to spread the Good News of Jesus’ infinite mercy, forgiveness and love!

Exultantly,
Deacon Matt