Christian Living
We are now on the third Sunday of Easter, and if you have really reflected on the readings for these past three weeks and sought to enter into them in some way, you should be completely exhausted. Let’s take a quick look at what has transpired during this period. The same man who denied knowing Jesus three times is now boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus as being anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power. We see Mary of Magdala going to the tomb even before it was light to anoint the body of Jesus. And then, seeing the empty tomb, she runs to tell Peter.
Now you have Peter and John running to the tomb to see what is going on. Why all this running around? As this fledgling Church hits the ground, we see the disciples gathering every day in the temple area and breaking bread and praising God. And now, in last Sunday’s Gospel we see the disciples of Jesus locked in a room because they were sissies and Jesus comes in their midst and extends His peace to them. Thomas boldly proclaims Jesus as Lord and God.
Today, we have Peter raising his voice before the people (the same Peter who denied Jesus three times) proclaiming Jesus, the Christ has risen from the dead at the risk of his own life. Today, two people are making a seven-mile journey to Emmaus dejected, disappointed, and depressed because of the things that have happened in the past days. Jesus walks with them and they don’t even know it. He opens the Scriptures to them and as evening comes, Jesus appears to be moving on, but these two disciples cannot let Him go. And because they cannot let Him go, He remains with them, breaks bread with them, and they realize they have looked upon the Risen Lord.
So why should we be tired? Because I have just shared with you a model of what Christian living is all about. It’s about being so committed to the Catholic faith we embrace, that we have just as much enthusiasm, urgency, fear, and uncertainty as these early Church members had. If I am really living a life of faithful discipleship, it must be for more than one hour on Sunday. There must be constant seeking the grace of God so that we may be empowered to live the same lives of faith these early Christians did.
The victorious Christian life is one that is never afraid to speak about faith, to ask the questions faith requires, to sit still and listen for the answers. The victorious Christian life is one that seeks the Lord early, while He may be found. The victorious Christian life is about speaking out about the injustice and immorality that thrives in the world, even though it can be frightening to do so.
As Jesus returned to His Father, He gave crystal clear instructions to you and me: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them all things I have commanded you. And know that I am with you until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
Does the excitement and joy of the Resurrection move us to be just as committed and tireless as those who were there? How badly do I want to be able to recognize Jesus walking with me? How “early” am I willing to set out knowing that Jesus walks with me? Again, God says, “you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13)
Deacon John Murrell