Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

Easter continues, and so does the adventure story of the early Church. In today’s first reading we have an account of Peter and the Apostles being taken in for questioning before a court. Their answer to the court demonstrates the continuing commitment to Jesus and the gospel message: “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). They continue by telling the court that they are witnesses to the resurrection. It is evident that knowing Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection has fundamentally changed their lives. The bumbling Apostles of the gospels – often mistaken, often confused, often “weak in faith,” have become courageous leaders of the Church, finally unwilling to deny Jesus. It is an amazing transformation – something that their discipleship had prepared them for, but yet something that could not be accomplished until they knew Jesus resurrected. This is an Easter transformation. The Apostles are empowered by the forgiveness of sins that comes from Jesus’ death and resurrection; they are enabled to be God’s workers on earth, following the example of their master, Jesus.

The Apostles are described well by Jn. 3:31 in today’s gospel “Whoever does accept his testimony certifies that God is trustworthy.” These will have eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Is not this the Easter experience? To accept the testimony that was the life, death, and resurrection shows trust in God and an openness to the work of the Spirit. Again, this is what makes it possible that the bumbling Apostles could become the confident leaders of Christianity. Borrowing the words of today’s psalm, we might say that the Apostles have “taken refuge” in the Lord (cf. 34:9). Through taking refuge in the Lord Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the Apostles have become new people.

As our Easter walk with the risen Lord continues, let us also take refuge in Christ Jesus. Let us strive to obey God rather than men. Let us be Easter people, transformed by all God has done for us and ready to witness to his amazing gift. Throughout this day, you might consider how an Easter transformation has happened in your past or is happening today. You might also pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you in witnessing to the Gospel message.

- Maria Morrow