The readings this Sunday provide a path for us to follow during the
Easter Season. In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles,
Peter is summarizing the events of the Passion, Death, and
Resurrection of Jesus to the crowd. He had witnessed these things
himself and, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, realized his own
sin in what happened and also his own forgiveness. He wanted the
crowd to receive the same healing he had and he told them how to
begin such a process.
The second reading from the first letter of John also gives some
instructions on how not to commit sin and what to do if or when one
does. In the Gospel selection from Luke, Jesus tells the two
disciples who were still talking about their first encounter with
Jesus on the road to Emmaus that "you are witnesses to these
things". We, too, as Christians, are called to be witnesses.
The steps on the path seem clear, but taking the first step often is
not that easy. We often hear suggestions of how to fix problems we
might have, but do not act to do so. Somewhere there seems to be a
"disconnect" between the gravity of a situation and the need to act
immediately to change direction or rectify it. In my opinion, at
least about grave matters, is that we don't forgive ourselves and
often don't think God forgives us. This is where openness to the
Holy Spirit becomes essential.
For those of us who have family and friends who are stuck right
there, before the first step, our job is to trust in the Resurrected
Savior and pray that they will recognize the Spirit more easily.
Most folks reading these reflections are well past that initial
stage themselves even though we might slip there occasionally.
Usually, those who are attempting to reflect on the Scriptures
regularly are nearer to the witnessing stage. For me, the question
then is about how I can witness effectively especially to those who
are still "stuck" in the paralysis or denial or avoidance stage.
Our readings certainly give me some suggestions. Underlying those
suggestions, however, I think is something upon which I need to base
my whole perspective, something I need to revisit more often. It is
the deepest meaning of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of
Jesus. I do believe these things happened. Do I believe that the
result of those things is that Jesus overcame all sin and even
death? If so, do I truly act in a way that believes in good outcomes
for those "stuck" people because of the Risen Savior and the graces
of the Holy Spirit? How I act is how I witness.
(Comments to Lanie at lanieleblanc@mindspring.com.)
We are commissioned by our Baptism and thus compelled to witness.
May we be prompted by the Spirit to renew our beliefs this Easter
Season. May we deepen our joy and live according to the promise of
salvation and eternal life, not just for those who seem to be on the
right path, but for all. May what people see in us become a glimmer
of the Spirit!