Thursday, April 16, 2020


Thursday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:11-26; Luke 24:35-48)

Today’s first reading picks up where the gospel passage ends.  As Jesus predicts, Peter is preaching in Jerusalem forgiveness of sins in Jesus’ name.  He has just used that name to heal a paralytic.  Since the people have been awed by that name’s power, Peter takes advantage of the opportunity.  He exhorts them to repent of having executed Jesus.  Then they too can walk freely.

Such freedom encompasses more than having one’s sins forgiven.  By confessing their sins in Jesus’ name, the people will establish a relationship with him.  He will come to them much like he appears to the disciples in the gospel.  He eats with them and allows them to touch him as their friend.  Also like a true friend, Jesus will inspire them to act virtuously and share with them his eternal life.

We long to be in the midst of our friends these days.  But in order not to catch the Corona-19 virus, we have isolated ourselves.  Still we need not isolate ourselves from the Lord.  We have access to him in Scripture and also in our hearts through prayer.  He will not allow us to perish.  Rather he will give us guidance and consolation.  All we have to do is pray to him.