If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you and you do not believe.
Jesus then adds the works (signs) as additional witness to his being the Christ.
Works speak for themselves.
Testifying to self is an expression of self-awareness and identity. It should be enough. But works leave no room for doubt, at least not reasonable doubt.
Today’s workout was along the riverbed, then do drills up and down the roadside embankment. Work matters.
My favorite saying (original) The Mountain Doesn’t Care.
You prepared well or not. Worked or not. Tested equipment or not. Tested yourself by different metrics or not.
When you encounter the mountain, it doesn’t care. The work tells the story.
Those who deliberately doubted Jesus never met the test of the mountain. And work.
Greetings on this the Monday of the Second Week of Easter Readings: Acts 4:23-31; Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9; John 3:1-8
Summary
Our gospel portion today, John 3:1-6, is the preeminent baptismal gospel portion used by the Church. In it, Jesus describes the necessity of baptism of water and Spirit. By water and the Holy Spirit we receive the gift of new life from God, who is love. In that divine life, which God gives, will keep us safe from the poison of sin and allow love itself to grow always stronger in our hearts.
Nicodemus
Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of flesh is flesh and what is born of spirit is spirit. Do not be amazed that I told you, ‘You must be born from above.’ (Jn 3:5-7).
Ezekiel – from stone to fleshly hearts, from rebellious spirit to divine spirit. This points to a renewal of both body and spirit.
I will sprinkle clean water over you to make you clean; from all your impurities and from all your idols I will cleanse you. I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put my spirit within you so that you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep them (Ez 36:25-27).
Joel – a restoration for all, from the youngest to the oldest. All are renewed.
It shall come to pass I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions (Jl 3:1).
Reflection
From the Second Sunday of Easter we celebrate the Divine Mercy. First among the gifts of mercy, is the gift of new life in baptism. May we recall our own baptism today and pray for the baptism of all peoples – that the gift of divine love – bring the relief we all need:
Safe from the poison of Sin.
A life guided and infused with divine love.
Personal Reflection
As they prayed, the place where they were gathered shook, and they were all filled with the holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness (Acts 4:31).
A blessing for you based on the baptismal rite.
My brothers and sisters, I entrust you all to the mercy and help of God the almighty Father, his only Son, and the Holy Spirit. May he watch over your life, and may we all walk by the light of faith, and attain the good things he promised us.
Go in peace, and may almighty God the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, bless you.
Greetings on this the Saturday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21; Mark 16:9-15
Summary
When Jesus had risen (Mk 16:9).
they did not believe (Mk 16:11b). they did not believe them either (Mk 16:13b).
The Samaritan Woman
And they said to the woman, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.” (Jn 4:42).
Reflection
When we preach – and did not Mary Magdalene preach? – it is essential that in some way the listener is experiencing the presence of the Lord Jesus.
Tomorrow we have the beautiful story of Doubting Thomas setting the conditions (if you will) on what it means to believe in the Risen Lord.
Next week when we encounter Jesus on the Road to Emmaus we can see the elements of the Holy Mass lived out on the road as an expression of experiencing the Risen Lord.
It might take time. Mary Magdalene and the Samaritan woman both had to tell their story and take the blowback.
All of these are reinforced by the witness of the Apostles before the leaders, elders, and scribes – even the legal authorityof the Sanhedrin.
Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
Personal Reflection
Give your witness. Jesus is Risen.
Whoever has ears ought to hear. But to hear, someone must speak.
Greetings on this the Friday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 4:1-12; Psalm 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a; John 21:1-14
Summary
Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This was now the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after being raised from the dead (Jn 21:1,14; See Jn 20:19,26).
Sea of Tiberias
The appearances to the disciples, without Thomas
The appearances to the disciples, with Thomas
The gospel of Mark is most known for the three predictions of the Passion of Jesus.
The gospel of John is most known for the revelation of Jesus and in particular the three post resurrection revelations.
Reflection
The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the LORD has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes. This is the day the LORD has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it. (Ps 118:4, 22-24)
In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead; in his name this man stands before you healed (Acts 4:10b).
Personal Reflection
A short story. Yesterday I was heading to the cemetery early and there was a driving rain storm. Stopped at a convenience store for coffee. A man without shoes, in tears. Can you help me? Long story – shortened, drove him to his family in another town (praying silently I would not be late to officiate the burial!). It was brutal weather and his story was moving and personal. He asked a complex faith question from the depths of the injustice and problems he was experiencing. My answer.
I am a sinner. Christ died for me.
The peace that filled the car was palpable.
We shared the croissant and a few more stories. He arrived refreshed at his rental – dry and restored. We prayed and went on our ways.
Jesus reveals himself in kindness and confession. My confession, His kindness, Our future.
I am a sinner. Christ died for me.
The Funeral Outside of Mass was in the cemetery chapel and then under the canopy for burial. I know how much the prayers helped the family by way of the liturgical grace. I am also sure another family received graces yesterday by way of revelation.
Just a nice picture of a porch and shelter after a long day on the trail
Greetings on this the Thursday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 24:35-48
Summary
Peter’s Speech
As the crippled man who had been cured clung to Peter and John, all the people hurried in amazement toward them in the portico called “Solomon’s Portico.” When Peter saw this, he addressed the people. And by faith in his name (Jesus), this man, whom you see and know, his name has made strong, and the faith that comes through it has given him this perfect health, in the presence of all of you (Acts 3:11-12a, 16).
The Appearance to the Disciples in Jerusalem
The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you. Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” (Lk 24:36-37, 39).
Reflection
Solomon’s Portico is a place of teaching and shelter for all who come to the Temple. It is in this place the crippled man was healed and clings to Peter and John. Jesus himself having Resurrected and returned to his disciples has flesh and bone – as the Church is in his name – flesh and bone.
There are plenty of days we can be critical of and make suggestions for changes in the Church. By all means, do so! But today? Remember to cling to Peter and John.
Jesus who came back in flesh and bone, Peter and John, flesh and bones stand in Solomon’s Portico offering shelter, healing, and teaching.
Personal Reflection
But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost (Lk 24:37).
The world can be a startling and terrifying place. The Church – at times – can seem like a ghost – not real or imagery only.
But, no. The Church is bread, flesh and bone. The Church is the gift Jesus leaves all of us until the End of Time.
Greetings on this the Wednesday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 24:13-35
Summary
The gospel reading each Wednesday is often a predictor of the gospel focus of the next Sunday. Wednesday is often called “Hinge Day” for that reason. Homeletic hint: If you don’t know what to say on Sunday, look at the Wednesday before.
The Wednesday Road to Emmaus shares a common theme with the Sunday story of Doubting Thomas.
Wednesday
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days? The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene.” (Lk 24:18, 21a)
Sunday
Doubting Thomas
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn 20:25).
Jesus Responds
In the first case, Jesus went as they were going, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them (Lk 24:15b).
In the second case, Jesus came to where they were. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst (Jn 20:26b).
In the first case, Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures (Lk 24:27).
In the second case, Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (Jn 20:27).
Gifts Given
In the first instance, scripture and the bread. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him (Lk 24:30-31a).
In the second instance, his peace. and said, “Peace be with you.” (Jn 20:26c).
Reflection
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name; make known among the nations his deeds. Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. (Ps 105:102)
Personal Reflection
There are so many roads of doubt: Emmaus and Thomas. But the Lord adjusts how he responds according to our needs.
See, touch, read, and break bread.
Don’t allow doubt to define you. Allow doubt to be a pathway to hear the divine call to love.
Greetings on this the Tuesday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 2:36-41; Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20 and 22; John 20:11-18
Summary
The Angels asked:
And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken my Lord, and I don’t know where they laid him.”
Jesus asked:
Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” She thought it was the gardener and said to him, “Sir, if you carried him away, tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.”
Reflection
Moved by Grief
Woman, why are you weeping? Tell me where you laid him, and I will take him.
Each of us, reading the heartbreak of grief, the grief of a woman who loved the sinless one.
Moved by Conviction
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other Apostles, “What are we to do, my brothers?” 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.
Moved by grief or moved by guilt for the grief?
Each of us must save ourselves from this corrupt generation.
Personal Reflection
I don’t know about you but at times I am Mary Magdalene (reflexive love) and other times receiving the Pentecost truth (conviction and repentance) – this Jesus whom you crucified.
I would like to be like Peter and the other Apostles – living and proclaiming liberty and freedom from this evil generation (meaning: a life wasted without a spiritual dimension). But what I want most of all, is on the lips of Jesus who said, “Mary!” to say “Gerry!“
Greetings on this the Monday in the Octave of Easter Readings: Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16:1-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; Matthew 28:8-15
Summary
Christians, to the Paschal Victim Offer your thankful praises! A Lamb the sheep redeems; Christ, who only is sinless, Reconciles sinners to the Father. Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous: The Prince of life, who died, reigns immortal. Speak, Mary, declaring What you saw, wayfaring. “The tomb of Christ, who is living, The glory of Jesus’ resurrection; bright angels attesting, The shroud and napkin resting. Yes, Christ my hope is arisen; to Galilee he goes before you.” Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining. Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning! Amen. Alleluia.
Victimae paschali laudes
Reflection
Our sacred readings in the next weeks is the story of the continuous realization (revelation) of what Jesus has accomplished and how wonderful our redeemer is.
Today – our central thought – A Lamb the sheep redeems. Our Brother, he became one of us, is both the sacrificial lamb and a member of the body to be redeemed (without sin but in sympathy). In his resurrection the psalmist promise becomes ours to hold.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
Personal Reflection
We are called to be one with all— in reconciliation, in compassion, in love.
Whatever state of life we encounter— even those we may find difficult or unsettling— is not a barrier to charity.
We are to be with one another, without sin, but never without love.
