Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for Fourth Sunday of Easter: April 21, 2024

Acts 4:8-12: This is a powerful and challenging passage, but also straightforward and to the point. Peter is saying “Wake up! Isn’t it ridiculous that we’re on trial for healing a person?!” Peter then answers their question. The means used to heal the person was the Holy Spirit… and in the Name of Jesus! This passage  reminds me of when Jesus talks of judging a tree by its fruits; or judging a leader or prophet by the fruits of their works (Matt 7:12-23). Are the persons’ works (as in this case), life-enhancing, or are they resulting in death or harm to anyone? If someone’s works are depriving others of life, legitimate rights, love and compassion, then they might be construed as evil. Often, this criterion makes moral decisions crystal-clear, while at other times we need more prayer and moral direction from legitimate Church leaders.

Psalm 118: “The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.” The Lord is merciful and trustworthy (unlike the elders and church leaders, as described in the first reading). The church leaders cared little for the poor and most vulnerable… not unlike so many of our leaders today. We have much to celebrate today… that our merciful and loving Lord once rejected, has truly become the cornerstone of the Church, our spiritual home!

Let’s pray for wisdom so that we recognize Godly leaders from those that are promoting evil and policies that are contrary to our faith. There are truly “wolves in sheep’s clothing” as well as those who “growl and posture like wolves,” who are really “big tough cream puffs.” As Jesus said: “By their fruits, you will know them.” (Matt 7:20). Examine the “fruits” carefully.

1 John 3:1-2: This passage is an eternal encouragement to us. It suggests that we must always take time to reflect on the privileges we enjoy as adopted “children of God.” God loves every one of us, as if each of us is God’s favorite child! However, for many people, this may seem difficult to imagine, as they’ve experienced little love from significant others in their lives.

As John indicates, the reason people don’t “recognize” or understand us, as Christians is that they haven’t come to know Christ, Himself, yet, as they haven’t had the Gospel preached to them, whether directly from Scripture or via the words, actions, love and kindnesses of Christian believers. Reflect this week on how we can “bear better fruit” for the Church by modeling the true Christian Way of love and service to God and others!

John 10:11-18: The “crescendo” of today’s readings about judging leaders and prophets by their fruits is today’s Gospel passage about Jesus, as the Good Shepherd. As mentioned above, we judge an effective leader by His words and actions. We determine whether the person’s words and actions are consistent and whether they give life to others.

Jesus told us during His ministry that He would be giving up His very life for our Salvation. Reflecting upon that, we certainly can see the consistency between Jesus’ words and His actions. So… what have been the fruits of Jesus’ life? Grace, forgiveness, redemption and a chance at eternal life for all of us! The “fruits” of Jesus’ life are a multitude of souls who have been saved by Jesus’ eternal Love and Mercy!

Alleluia! 
Deacon Matt