Sede vacante

Greetings on this the Tuesday in the Octave of Easter
Readings: Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22; Victimae paschali laudes; John 20:11-18

Summary

During the Octave of Easter the Church gives us two parallel courses of thought. The faith as it moves forward through time with the Apostles (Book of Acts) and the Apostles reaction and acceptance of the Resurrection (the Gospel accounts). Since we are in sede vacante, “the seat is vacant”, it is a marvelous expression of the one and same question.

The Church must go forward AND the gospel message has not changed nor lost its primacy

1. Repent and be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. Tell THE story, tell YOUR story: “I have seen the Lord”.

In our first readings since Easter Sunday has been from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and will continue the sequence until Pentecost Sunday. Strategically starting with the Apostles just after Pentecost (Acts 2:14ff) int Easter Octave. We see the forward movement of the faith with this discourse (of the six Discourses of Acts), Apostles healing power, Apostles put before the law and the Signs and Wonders through the Apostles.

1. Peter’s Speech at Pentecost.
2. Cure of a Crippled Beggar.
3. Peter’s Speech.
4. Before the Sanhedrin.
5. Before the Sanhedrin – 2.
6. Signs and Wonders of the Apostles.

In our gospel readings since Easter has been exclusively about the Apostles and their reaction to the Resurrection which will continue until Divine Mercy Sunday.

1. The Empty Tomb.
2. The Appearance to Mary and Mary Magdalene.
3. The Appearance to Mary of Magdala.
4. The Appearance on the Road to Emmaus.
5. The Appearance to the Disciples in Jerusalem.
6. The Appearance to the Seven Disciples.
7. The Appearance to Mary Magdalene, The Appearance to Two Disciples and The Commissioning of the Eleven (as a set).

Reflection

Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

But go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” (Jn 20:17b-18).

Personal Reflection

We are in trying times and without our Pope. Everything changes and yet nothing changes. Repent, be baptized and tell your story of your encounter with the Lord.

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/042225.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry