Saturday in the Octave of Easter
“Immaculate Conception Parish is a community of disciples” This is the beginning of the mission statement for our parish. Being disciples of Christ is a central focus for our worship and our service to others. Today’s scripture readings remind us that the first disciples of Jesus experienced the challenges and blessings of living out their faith. These early followers of Jesus struggled with doubt despite the fact that they had been a part of His inner circle during His ministry. In spite for their unbelief, Jesus still commissions them to go out and proclaim the Gospel. It is through the grace of the Holy Spirit that they can boldly go forth and spread the Good News. We are called to do the same.
In the Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the two disciples walking in the country. All of them return to tell the disiciples the news that Jesus was alive- but they did not believe. It was not until they were gathered together that Jesus appears, rebukes their unbelief and then commands them to “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” Despite their lack of faith, Jesus still sends them to share His message with others. Jesus understands that they will not be on the journey alone. The Spirit of God will be poured out, and their doubt will become a deep faith that will transform the world around them.
The reading from Acts illustrates the transformation that has occurred in the disciples. Peter and John are seen as being “uneducated, ordinary men,” and yet the elders and scribes recognize that these men possess a powerful witness. They warn the disciples not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus, but Peter and John reply that it is impossible for them to not proclaim what they have seen and heard. These are the very disciples that not long ago could not believe Mary Magdalene and the other disciples when they had shared the good news about the resurrection. What has transpired since these initial days of doubt and fear following the resurrection? After Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the disciples and the early church at Pentecost. It is the Spirit that provides the disciples with the faith, love, wisdom, and courage to go out and to preach and heal. They are not alone, but they are now disciples of Christ living the Good News with their lives.
Reading these scripture passages is both encouraging and challenging. We see that the disciples were ordinary people. They had doubts, fears, and no extraordinary talents that would set them apart from others. Yet, they became instruments of God’s love, mercy, healing and peace. We are also ordinary people who often have doubts, fears, and concerns that we have nothing to offer. Jesus gives us the same commission, however, to go forth and share the Good News. Like the disciples, we are not alone. Jesus pours out His Spirit to provide the courage, love and compassion that we need to share with others. It is through the grace of the Spirit that we are able to “Think Like Jesus, Talk Like Jesus and Act Like Jesus!” Like the disciples, we will face opposition from the world around us as we go forth doing the work of Christ. Through prayer, scripture and sacrament we are given encouragement to face these challenges. As a community of disciples we come together to be the Body of Christ that goes boldly forth to build the Kingdom by “making God’s unconditional love evident for all.”
Loving God, You sent Jesus to show us how we are called to be disciples of Christ by sharing Your love and mercy with others. Pour down Your Spirit, so we may share this Good News with the world. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN.
Marylynn Herchline