Monday in the Octave of Easter
God Sent His Son to Us.
During this Octave, that is, eight days following Easter, the gospels at Mass express the amazement of the first witnesses to Christ’s resurrection, and the readings from the Acts of the Apostles record their spreading the Good News of our salvation after the coming of the Spirit at Pentecost. These stories reinforce our faith, understanding, amazement, and joy in the truth that Christ is risen and we are saved.
In today’s account from Acts, Peter announces to the crowds who have come to Jerusalem at Pentecost the four-stage event that has changed the course of history. God sent his Son, Jesus, to us. We killed him. But God raised him up. And we are witnesses. Through these days of the Octave, we will hear this pattern of telling the story more than once.
Each of the four elements is important, but let’s focus on the first today. God sent his Son.
Peter tells his fellow Jews, “Jesus the Nazorean was a man commended to you by God with might deeds, wonders, and signs, which God worked through him in your midst as you yourselves know.” He reminds them that they were amazed at his teaching, eager for his miracles of healing, and astounded by his ability even to raise the dead. We, too, are amazed at these gospel stories of Jesus’ miracles and teaching. How wise was his teaching, for example, that we should imitate the lilies of the field and sparrows by not worrying but trusting in God. How compassionate he was to the sick and sinners. How reassuring his defense of the poor and powerless. Jesus was certainly a wise and loving man, one whose words we could believe and follow. We might even choose to become a disciple of his, like Peter and the other apostles. Of all the leaders to choose from throughout history, he would be an excellent one to follow.
The questions Peter faced and could not answer were, “Follow him to what? Where will he lead us? To earthly happiness? To positions of power?
What am I seeking from this holy and wise man, Jesus? Why do I call myself a Christian? Why did God send his Son to us? To me? What does he offer that I need? Physical healing? Forgiveness of Sins? The Holy Spirit? Something more?
Put yourself in the place of Mary Magdalen and the other Mary who first discovered the empty tomb and then encountered the risen Jesus himself. Let him say to you as he said to them, “Do not be afraid.”
Reflection by Abbot Benedict Neenan, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections