Tuesday of the Octave of Easter
(Acts 2:36-41; John 20:11-18)
In yesterday’s first reading, Peter
proclaimed the startling news of the resurrection. In today’s he provides its meaning for his
listeners. First, Jesus’ resurrection
means that he is the Lord, God’s anointed one who accepted death to save them
from their sins. Second, in response,
the people must repent, that is, change their way of thinking. Rather than look for money or pleasure as
life’s goal, they are to seek eternal life by giving of themselves in loving
service. They will find example and
support of how this endeavor in the Church, which they join by being
baptized. Finally, they are to accept
the Holy Spirit which makes all of them equal children of God.
This process of becoming children of God is
reflected in today’s gospel passage.
Jesus’ appearance to Mary proclaims his resurrection. She must change her mind about him. He is no longer the dead teacher, but the
risen Lord. She must no longer cling to
him but proclaim him to others. Charged
with the Holy Spirit, she becomes a child of God as Jesus indicates when he says,
“’I am going to my Father and your Father.’”
Today in the United States many people consider
religion as only a cultural label. They
see it as no more importance than being of Irish or Italian descendance. For them religion provides fewer advantages
than being an American citizen.
Professing Easter faith turns this estimation around. First and foremost, we are children of God
and heirs to eternal life. This
classification allows us to view citizenship more highly, not less. As God’s family, we are to cooperate with civil
government which God has established to order the goods of the world.
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