Peter preaches in the
First Reading
to all of the Jews in Jerusalem who will come and hear.
He makes clear that Jesus was sent by God, that the people unlawfully killed Him, and that God raised Him –
the good acts were from God, the people committed the evil.
To help them connect Jesus to their faith, to their lives, he explains David’s role in salvation history –
David was one of their greatest heroes and wrote most of the Psalms.
In his message, Peter conveys: Jesus is relevant and relevant to them.
What a perfect
Psalm
for now! Lord, you will show us the path of life.
In these uncharted times, what path is God trying to show you?
Will you use the current unusual opportunities
to seek His message for you and to follow it?
In the
Second Reading
, St. Paul reminds us that if we are to call and embrace God as Father, a loving Being Who cares more for us than anyone else will care for us, then we must live according to what it truly means for Him to be our Father. A good father doesn’t ignore the ill acts of his children, but rebukes them in love to teach them the better way. He does not allow one child to take advantage of his other children, nor does he allow one child to shirk his responsibilities thus placing greater burdens on others.
In the
Gospel
we hear one of the favorite Gospel readings - On the same day as the resurrection, followers of Jesus were traveling away from Jerusalem, heartsick over Jesus’ death. In the midst of one of the darkest times in their lives, bereft and confused, having thought God was in their midst and seeing only evil triumph, they walk the path to their homes. A man appears who gives understanding to the events in light of their faith.
He helps them to see the horrible events as God sees them,
their hearts are lifted, and then
He reveals Himself in the breaking of the bread.
Through that which we cannot right now receive, the Eucharist,
is how they came to know Him in their midst –
to help them see Him and know He is there.
Pray for our return to receiving the gift of the God's Real Presence, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, through the return to Mass!