Greetings on this the Tuesday of Fifth Week of Easter
Readings: Acts 14:19-28; Psalm 145:10-11, 12-13ab, 21; John 14:27-31a
Summary
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. [Yet] Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory. [He told us] Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. [We respond as friends] Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom. (Acts 14:19b; See Luke 24:46, 26; Jn 14:27; PS 145:12).
Reflection
The resistance to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is centered and rooted in a belief system supposing that he was and remains dead. So from the readings today I chose these four sacred scripture passages to illustrate and bring courage.
- They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. They also supposed Jesus was dead and not resurrected.
- Christ had to suffer and to rise from the dead. This is well attested in the Old Testament as a requirement for the Christ.
- Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Both before and after the Resurrection Jesus offers divine peace to us.
- Your friends make known, O Lord, the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Regardless of the unbelief of others, we persist in proclaiming Jesus, Risen.
Personal Reflection
We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him (1 Jn 4:16).
This is the core of our trust in the Lord. God is Love in person and in action. God’s not dead. Everything flows from this core tenet and allows the resurrection and the witness of the life of Jesus to make sense to us.
Go in peace.
Sacred Reading full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/050526.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry