Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

“These then are the feasts of Passover, in which is slain the Lamb, the one true Lamb, whose Blood anoints the doorposts of believers…(by which) once you led our Forebears, Israel’s children from slavery in Egypt and made them pass dry-shod through the Red Sea.” Exultet, lines 23-24

Today we have a difficult reading in the Acts of the Apostles. It tells of how “a severe persecution” broke out against the Church. Stephen was buried, Saul continued to attack Christians, and Philip continued on to Macedonia. Christians have been persecuted since the Church’s beginning. It is not something that is isolated and rare. Christians face persecution even today in different parts of the world. We find encouragement from Jesus who is our Risen Lord. He promised then and now “not to lose anything” of what the Father gave Him.

We are His own, the children of the Lamb. Jesus’ one sacrifice gives us new life despite persecution and death. We are set free. We pass through death to life as the Israelites passed through the Red Sea. Jesus’ one sacrifice is an everlasting Passover for all who believe in Him. His blood was shed and is salvific for all Christians, especially those who live under constant persecution and the threat of death.

Let’s take some time today to pray for everyone anywhere who is facing persecution, and give thanks for the “one true Lamb” who gave His life for us. Amen.

Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB