+ As we celebrate Easter Day for the fifth time today we hear of a post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to his disciples. He suddenly appears before them and offers them "Peace:" an unusual reaction to being purposely killed. But Jesus was no ordinary Victim; he was the Victim whose death changed everything for everyone forever. His life and death were prophesied for centuries, and their fulfillment was essential; and now they were accomplished: the Messiah lived, suffered, was put to death, and is raised from the dead. And now, repentance for the forgiveness of sins is to be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. And that is where we come in: me as a preacher of the same repentance, and you as hearers and doers of what is preached for your own good, for your own salvation. When we listen and repent and live a new life – we are witnesses and participants in the power of the resurrection of Jesus, as surely as if we were there 2000 years ago.
In the first reading we hear how Jesus provides a period of refreshment for those faithful believers who await the fullness of the restoration of all things in Christ – the availability of a share in resurrected life is such a promise and experience of refreshment. May we turn from our evil ways and be refreshed by Christ Risen from the dead!
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it.
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