Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Third Sunday of Easter: April 14, 2024

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19: This challenging passage is part of an    effort by Peter to convert and evangelize local people. Many of these people were among those who had enabled Jesus’ execution, by failing to publicly support Jesus and accept His message; even after witnessing many convincing healings.

Peter is reminding the people that their mistake isn’t motivated by a desire to “guilt trip” them over their partial responsibility for Jesus’ death. Instead, Peter offers them compassion and understanding that their complicity in Jesus’ death was due to ignorance and their lack of full comprehension of Jesus’ status as the Son of God and the Messiah. Because of their unquestionable level of guilt and responsibility, Peter encourages them to confess their sins, admit their guilt, and ask for God’s forgiveness and for baptism into the Christian community.

Psalm 4: “Lord, let Your face shine on us.” In compliance to Peter’s direction that we approach our God to forgive, heal and save us, we now sing this psalm of glory and praise to God, combined with a subtle petition to God for forgiveness. This psalm is also a statement of faith in God’s almighty power. It demonstrates the strong faith and confidence in God; a faith like Peter’s that could invite and help to accomplish miracles; through intercession to God. Each verse is imbued with serenity and trust in God.

This psalm invites us to submit ourselves to accomplishing God’s Will for us; whatever that might mean. Do we have sins to confess and for which we must take responsibility? Are we doing what we can to participate meaningfully in our Christian Mission to serve others? This is a great time to meditate and make changes in our lives, if we’re called to do so.

1 John 2:1-5a: John first reminds us that we’re all called to renounce sin and to cease from committing further sins. However, John also adds that if we do sin, we have Jesus; ever available as our Advocate and as our Source of expiation and Salvation. John emphasizes the extension of this invitation for Salvation to the Gentiles and to all of God’s people, all over the world, who will accept Jesus as our Messiah and Redeemer.

This pronouncement of the availability of Salvation for all is followed by an exhortation to follow God’s Commandments and to conform ourselves to God’s Will by consistent obedience to the Law. John alludes to the fact that obedience to God’s Law increases our “knowledge of God,” or our “intimacy” with God. Upon reflection, this makes sense. When we live in harmony with God’s Will, we learn something of God’s love and wisdom.

Luke 24:35-48: As we peruse the readings for this Sunday, a consistent message keeps flashing forth. Our Messiah (Jesus) is ever available and profoundly loving. Let us go directly to Him, in all of our times of trouble; as well as sharing our times of joy! Our Lord is here to be ever with us… whether we’re celebrating or suffering! We must never exclude our God. God’s place is ever behind, before, above us… and within us! Our God is ever near and is all-powerful. That ought to bring us a measure of peace; as we contemplate that. Always approach God with love, humility, repentance and trust. Let yourself feel and know God’s tender love!
  
Deacon Matt