Third Sunday of Easter-cycle B
04/14/2012
April 22, 2012
Click here to review the readings for this Sunday
The first reading from the Acts of the Apostles takes place after John and Peter had, in the name of Jesus, just cured the crippled man. All around are amazed. Peter addresses them, saying it was in the name of Jesus that the crippled man was cured.
In a sense, each of us is called daily, like Peter and John to make the presence of the Risen Lord known to others. How do we do that? The answer is very simple, but it takes our own conversion, seeing our own sins and seeking forgiveness. It is then that we can appreciate what we will hear in the second reading from the First Letter of John.
As we see how much God forgives us, even puts up with us again and again; then we can become the presence of Christ for others. That is so easy to say, but so hard to accomplish. It will be through the grace and mercy of God that He will work though us and allow others to find the Risen Lord. It starts with seeing our own sins, which can be so difficult. We always want to find excuses for our sin, or to blame others for our sin, or to blame our lack of sleep, etc. But as we are willing to be truthful with ourselves we can experience what St. John says in his First Letter.
It is so easy to forget how much God loves us and is willing, again and again to forgive us. All we need to do is be honest with ourselves. The Gospel from Luke shows us how Jesus does not give up on his disciples, who in spite of others telling them, "He Is Risen", they do not believe.
We know the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
They experience the Risen Lord in the Breaking of the Bread and then rush back to Jerusalem to tell the others that they have seen the Lord. Again, the others have doubts and don't really believe.
Again and again the disciples have doubts and fears; they have abandoned Him. They know their sins. And yet God does not give up on them. Once they experience God's great mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, they are ready to make Christ prsent for others.
The same is true for us. Why are we afraid to see that we are no better than the disciples in their sins. The Lord will not give up on us. Sin and death can now be overcome.
Alleluia, Christ is Risen
Alleluia, Christ is truly Risen