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.
