Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
In the first reading for Mass today, St. Paul is speaking in a synagogue to others of Jewish heritage. All would have known what was written about the long-awaited Messiah. Nonetheless, St. Paul leads them through a history lesson from the lawgiver Moses, through the prophet Samuel, and to King David. What is new is that he identifies Jesus as the Messiah, the savior of Israel. The message is also new: salvation will come, not through military or political domination, but through a baptism of repentance.
As Messiah, Jesus indicates that He will establish his Church by sending out those who follow Him. The Church, too, will preach repentance. If those messengers are received, then Christ will be received. And if Christ is received, the Father will be received.
Ever since humans were cast out of the Garden of Eden, God has been trying to show us the way back to Him. It is not easy, but there is a path. St. Paul and Jesus draw the map through the Old Testament and into the New.
Reflection by Br. Jacob Kubajak, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections