04/19/2025
Reflection for Easter Sunday:
Acts 10:34a, 37-43: As we reflect upon St. Peter’s Spirit-inspired words, let’s also be cognizant of Peter’s role, as the first pope, or “vicar of Christ,” on earth. Our Catholic Church has existed, uninterrupted, since our Lord founded it! Especially moving are Peter’s words about how “God anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power;” such that God was with Him and working through Him, in His preaching, healing and “going about, doing good.” Peter reminds us that we’re all called to be “witnesses;” or apostles who share God’s message of forgiveness and Salvation. Let’s contemplate how we can become more effective witnesses of the faith. Let’s ask God, in prayer, how we can become more successful about inviting and persuading others to come to, or come back to, the faith. Our Church must grow!
Psalm 118: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” As we reflect on how we can become more successful in persuading others to participate at Mass and in the Sacraments, let’s do so with the spirit of this psalm… a spirit of happiness, peace and joy; combined with thanksgiving to God, for (God’s) forgiveness, love and mercy. Consider how the tone of our “faith witness” affects its level of success, in attracting prospective Church members. If our tone is positive, enthusiastic and loving; it will be much more powerful in enticing others to return to, or begin joining the Church. Many new converts share that the witness of Church members was what first led them to consider joining.
Reflect that we all have a duty to encourage others to consider embracing the faith. We won’t be judged as to how many people we bring in, but we’re accountable as to how sincerely we try to encourage others to have faith, via our words and our life example.
1 Cor 5:6b-8: Reflect on the metaphor that “a little yeast leavens all the dough.” Each member of a group affects the whole group, by their attitudes; as evidenced by their words and behavior. As St. Paul so persuasively indicates; we have to first become the “new yeast;” by allowing our spirits to be transformed, so that we become more loving, merciful, forgiving and charitable. If we’re following our Lord, faithfully and authentically, then we’re becoming the “unleavened bread” of sincerity and truth that Paul refers to. We become a eucharistic gift of sacrifice and service to one another and to God. That is our highest calling… and the purpose of our life: to “know” God, by loving and serving God, as we love and serve one another. That will bring people back to Church!
John 20:1-9: Now, consider the scene of the Resurrection! Mary Magdalene, Peter, and John have all been transformed, in their spirits, to be “new leaven.” Mary Magdalene rises before dawn to go to the Tomb; displaying her love for the Lord and meditative desire to contemplate the mysteries of the Lord’s life. Then, with Mary Magdalene and with John, we see the “yeast” of the virtue of obedience and respect for authority. Mary Magdalene immediately summoned Peter, as the new leader, and both she and John deferred to Peter; allowing him to be first to enter the tomb; even though both Mary Magdalene and John had arrived there, first. Consider that when we show respect and reverence for “authority,” the laws of the Church and its teachings on moral and ethical issues; others are more attracted to the faith.
Happy Easter!
Deacon Matt
