Word to the Wise
Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 2nd Sunday of Easter - A
[Acts 2:42-47; 1 Pet 1:3-9; John 20:19-31]"Although we have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." [1 Peter]
Seeing, believing and living all come together in the three scriptures assigned for this Sunday. If we look back to the first scripture from the Acts of the Apostles, we see a description of a community that lived in "exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people." If we look forward to the gospel scripture, we encounter the famous scene with "Doubting" Thomas, who provides us with the great profession of faith: "My Lord and my God!" Jesus responds to that declaration with these words: "Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed." The evangelist goes on to say: "Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name."
In his Letter to the Romans, St. Paul says: "Thus, faith comes from what is heard!" [Rom 10:17]. The whole of the New Testament was put into writing after the events that are proclaimed in it. In essence, it is a collective preaching of the life and teaching and mission of Jesus Christ! The early community described in Acts was responding to the preaching of the apostles and other disciples! Many of these new believers never knew Jesus personally. They responded to those who had known Jesus and the word began to spread. This faith had implications for the lifestyle of the believers. People responded to what they could see in the lives of those who believed. Belief in Jesus, whom they could not "see," led to conduct which the world could "see" and come to belief! This is still the case today! The same Letter of Peter says, "Always be ready to give an explanation for the hope that is within you....." [1 Pet. 3:15]. The best explanation is a life lived in accord with Jesus' teachings. Nevertheless, we are all called to proclaim it by word as well as by example!
It may be difficult for us to imagine the enthusiasm in the early community, but we have the examples of so many who have given their lives over 2,000 years for the faith to inspire us. Spread the Word! Christ is risen! AMEN