First Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
Reflection:
The Apostle Peter was the leader of the apostles, chosen by Christ Himself to be in that position (see Matt. 16:17-19). In the book of Acts, after the apostles received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Peter began confidently proclaiming the gospel. In this Sunday’s first reading, Peter recounts the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, speaking to a crowd that likely included those who had advocated for Jesus’ crucifixion. Peter proclaims that this Jesus who was crucified was not any mere man. In fact, a correct understanding of the Old Testament reveals that Jesus is the expected Messiah, who is God in the flesh. Peter’s speech is full of Old Testament language, connecting this passage to what we will hear in this Sunday’s Gospel reading in which Jesus explains to the disciples how everything in the Old Testament is fulfilled in Him. Peter now conveys the same message, using the Old Testament scriptures to proclaim Jesus’ true identity to his audience. Jesus is, in fact, “the author of life.” He is “the Holy and Righteous One.” Peter’s message is poignant: you crucified God. Yet, he says they did so out of ignorance and that the crucifixion is not the end of the story. Peter and others were eye witnesses to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead. And Jesus can forgive even the worst of sins, including advocating for putting the Messiah to death on the cross. They (and we) need to “repent” and “be converted,” so their (and our) “sins may be wiped away.”
Second Reading: 1 John 2:1-5A
Reflection:
The Apostle John’s message here is twofold: 1) avoid sin and keep God’s commandments; and 2) when you do sin, repent and accept Jesus’ forgiveness. The reality is that we all sin and there are consequences for our sins. But the message of the gospel is that Jesus died in order to offer forgiveness of our sins. He is “an Advocate with the Father,” interceding on our behalf. Jesus is “expiation” for the sins of the whole world. Expiation means an act of making amends or reparation between two parties. Jesus came to fix our broken relationship with God that has resulted from sin. There is no one Jesus did not die for. He offers forgiveness of sins to everyone. But not everyone will accept His gift of salvation. Furthermore, His forgiveness does not mean we can live however we want. Many people say, “It doesn’t matter what I do because God will forgive me anyways.” This cannot be further from the truth. We must truly repent of our sins in order to receive forgiveness. Even more, the sure sign of knowing and loving God is keeping His commandments.
Gospel Reading: Luke 24:35-48
Reflection:
This passage immediately follows the famous “Road to Emmaus” account of two disciples encountering the risen Lord on their journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day of the resurrection (the first Easter Sunday). In that account, the disciples did not recognize Jesus until He broke bread with them, an allusion to His presence in the Eucharist. This Sunday’s gospel reading begins with these two disciples telling their encounter with Jesus to the apostles after returning to Jerusalem that same day. Thus, these events also took place on Easter Sunday. Here Jesus appears to the disciples and offers them peace. He calms their fears by reassuring them that it is truly Him, providing proof through showing them His wounds and even eating a piece of fish to prove that He is not a ghost. As one might imagine, they were amazed. Just think of all they had been through. They had followed Jesus and recognized Him as the promised Messiah. But, then, contrary to their expectations, He was brutally crucified at the hands of their enemies, the Romans. These events plagued them with doubts and left them cowering in fear, wondering if they would be sought out and killed for associating with Jesus. Now, the one they knew to be dead was alive and standing in their midst. Imagine what was going through their minds! Jesus not only assured them it was Him but “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,” revealing to them that the Old Testament had, in fact, taught that the Messiah would have to suffer, die, and rise again. As a result, the disciples came to understand these events.
Application:
- The Apostle Peter said in this Sunday’s first reading: “Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.” In what areas of your life do you need to repent and experience conversion?
- The Apostle John wrote in the second reading: “The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments.” What commandments of Jesus do you struggle keeping? What steps can you take, with the help of God’s grace, to keep those commandments?
