These are the Easter to Pentecost days, the great 50 days of Mystagogia (unpacking the Mystery). They invite us to journey with our brothers and sisters who were welcomed into our Church just two weeks ago.
The gift of them to our Church is a “family” blessing. These are a graced 50 days for them as they journey deeper into the miracle and mystery of Jesus’ resurrection and our salvation. The days are not for them alone but for each of us to believe and follow in new and ever-expanding ways. With them we’re called to witness that faith, that belief that Jesus is the Christ of God, the Anointed One, the Author of life. With them we are entrusted with the Scriptures and to bring them to fulfillment in our lives and in our world.
We hear those mercy words again, “release, raise up, relieve, wipe away, do wonders, have pity, convert, open minds, be faithful, make secure, place gladness and extend peace, expiate, advocate, enlighten.” We’re strongly reminded of our sin, our ignorance, our disbelief, our dullness and our weak heartedness.
Along with the call and challenge to witness, we find those “mercy words” washing over our wrongs, weaknesses and sins. God brings to fulfillment in us that which was announced to and through the prophets of old. God calls us to witness today that Jesus Christ has risen and goes before us while ever remaining at our sides. It seems many of us take many, many days to unpack, to wrap our hearts around and to live fully into the miracle and mystery of the Easter message.
Just three weeks ago in the Passion reading on Palm Sunday, we heard the triple denial by Peter when he stood like a bystander as Jesus was handed over to Pilate. In fear and anger he denied any “knowledge” or involvement with this “Holy and Righteous One.” He hid and “went along with the crowd” as he saw his friend, Teacher (Rabbi) and Lord sentenced to death. He did “know” Jesus. His life had been changed by this knowledge and involvement. Fear, anger and blindness do such tragic things. Love changes those tragedies. Mercy holds many chances.
“Knowing” God has always meant living in right relationship with God. This implies a love of God with all our mind, heart and being. This love is evidenced in the way we live the great commandments. It is not an intellectual knowing but involves the entire person – in a sharing in God’s life. Sharing in God’s life assumes following God’s will and way.
John says, “Those who say ‘I know God,’ but do not keep the commandments are liars, and the truth is not in them.” It was Peter’s anger, fear, grief or desperation that blinded his “knowledge” and caused him to lie. Peter is our brother in weakness. We are all in these Scriptures and we all hear the same promise and reminder of God’s outpoured blessings to refresh us and forgive us.
Today, in the first reading, Peter boldly reminds the children of Abraham and Sara, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Rachel to change their ways. If he were pointing a finger at them, we can imagine that three fingers pointed back at himself. He had regained his “knowledge.” Peter is our brother in mercy and second chances. He is our brother in courageous truth speaking.
We also hear, in John’s letter and the Gospel for this Sunday, the mandate to “keep God’s word” and “bear witness to all the nations.” Like our newly initiated brothers and sisters, the Apostles and disciples sought to know more in the weeks that followed Calvary and Easter. They heard of the Emmaus miracle and opened their eyes and hearts. They received the message of peace and were invited to touch and see and hear. They were reminded of Jesus’ words and teachings while He was with them.
Today’s Gospel finds them being invited, once more, to have Jesus, the Risen Christ open their hearts so that He can open their minds to understand the Scriptures – to “know God.”
Can we – will we open our minds, hearts and beings to understand the Scriptures? Jesus, the Risen Christ will do this for us. Look what the God of our ancestors has done throughout all of salvation history. “Know” what Jesus, Risen and close by, can do for us as we unpack the miracle and mystery of resurrection and eternal life. Our faith, our belief, our following is founded upon this Easter fulfillment.
Will the mandate to “keep God’s word” and “bear witness to the nations” become “for real” in our lives or might we allow them to remain something read from a pulpit or lectern each week? Will we walk with each other in faith and believe that “God does wonders for those who are faithful and always hears them when they call.” (Psalm 4)?
May our prayer for ourselves, each other and our wounded and frightened world be to the one God. We pray today’s responsorial, “Lord, let Your face – the light of Your countenance shine upon us!”
Readings for the Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19
Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9
1 John 2: 1-5A
Luke 24: 35-48
Sister Karen Cavanagh, C.S.J., a trained spiritual director and retreat facilitator, is a pastoral associate/family minister at St. Nicholas of Tolentine parish, Jamaica.