Word to the Wise
Monday, April 17, 2017 - Octave of Easter - Mon
[Acts 2:14, 22-33 and Matt 28:8-15]"God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right hand of God, he poured forth the promise of the Holy Spirit that he received from the Father, as you both see and hear." [Matthew]
This is a week about preaching! The events of Holy Week have occurred and all the Easter celebrations are done but the meaning of it all should just be beginning to sink in. The disciples were in hiding. Mary Magdalen (in today's gospel scripture) is told to go and inform them of the news that Jesus has risen and will meet them in Galilee. Even after they see him there, they go back into hiding until the Holy Spirit blows the doors open! Peter's speech, quoted above, shows that things cannot go on as they did before. Christ is risen! Listen up, world!
Jesus tells Mary Magdalen, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers...." Peter says, "God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses!" Can life go on the same way? Can we just celebrate another Easter and then go back into "hiding" for another year? We know the disciples were afraid of being arrested and suffering the same fate as Jesus! What are our fears about announcing the good news?Christ is risen! Alleluia!
There will be more examples of the preaching coming. Perhaps we will not greet everyone at the office or the grocery line with the words, "Christ is risen." Maybe we'll just ask if they had a nice Easter. If our Lenten resolutions are continuing, others may see the difference the "Good News" can make. But we must not be afraid. By virtue of our baptism, we are all witnesses to the Good News. Christ is risen! Alleluia! AMEN
[Note to my Beloved Congregation. I'm sure you know by now that these reflections are sent a day in advance of their appearance in the liturgy. So, today is Easter Sunday of the Lord's Resurrection. To each of you who read this daily, (or even just once in a while), i wish a blessed celebration of the Good News! Christ is risen! Alleluia!]