Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and they asked Peter and the other Apostles,
“What are we to do, my brothers?”
H earing the strange news that God had restored the Crucified to life, and stricken with remorse, the crowds called the Apostles brothers and asked, "What are we to do?"
The leaders of Jerusalem will soon have the apostles arrested, tried, convicted, and flogged; but they will never use the word brother when addressing them. In fact, they use no address at all, but simply command them to cease and desist. And, as Saint Luke tells the story, the city fathers soon disappear into the background where they continue to harass, oppose, and plot against the Lord and his anointed.
Jerusalem's citizens and visiting pilgrims, however, call them brothers. They recognize their own faith in the disciples' enthusiasm, and discover their hope renewed in the Apostles' words. There readiness shows that the Holy Spirit is in their hearts. Like Simeon and Anna, whom we met in Luke 2, they know the Spirit of the Holy City Jerusalem.
However, hearing Peter's announcement, they are horrified by the memory of the recent Passover and the crucifixion of Jesus. Told of his resurrection, they repent and are saved.
Perhaps this is why Pope John Paul II renamed Low Sunday as Mercy Sunday. Here is an opportunity for all those who skipped Lent and ignored Easter to realize what they missed and return to the faith of their ancestors. As we sing 26 times in 26 verses in Psalm 136, "His mercy endures forever!"
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.