Third Sunday of Easter
Study of Sacred Scripture is highly valuable as it informs us about many of the details surrounding the composition and maintenance of the Biblical texts, but study alone will fail if it is not accompanied by prayer. The Disciples received an understanding of the Scriptures when the Risen Jesus came among them and revealed the meaning of what had been handed down in faith for hundreds of years. A personal encounter with Jesus and subsequent cultivation of a long-lasting relationship with the same Lord is what truly opens our minds to understand the plans and actions of God that have been fulfilled in Christ Jesus.
St. Paul had studied the Scriptures in depth, but his study led him to persecute the early Church. It was only after Jesus appeared to him on the road and confronted him about his persecution that Paul was able to understand that Jesus was the Messiah who had fulfilled God’s plan. Furthermore, Psalm 127 tells us:
Unless the LORD builds the house,
they labor in vain who build.
Unless the LORD guard the city,
in vain does the guard keep watch.
It is vain for you to rise early
and put off your rest at night,
To eat bread earned by hard toil—
all this God gives to his beloved in sleep.
It does not matter how much effort we put into our study unless we invite the Lord into our work and ask him to lead us toward truth. Understanding comes from knowing Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB
Posted in Article for Easter, Daily Reflections