today's readings are Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 2: 1-5; Luke 24: 35-48
There is a common element in each of our 3 readings that brings back memories of the second parish I served in, Epiphany of Our Lord in Scarborough. At that time in the mid 1990s the parish was at least 50% Italian - Canadian. For me, my time there proved to be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the culture and language of Italy, where my maternal grandparents had come to Canada from over 90 years ago.
Upon my arrival I was quickly exposed to a very unique part of the Italian culture, the Italian mother. The role of the mama in an Italian family has a multitude of responsibilities, many of which I was already aware of. But there was another I only learned about by sitting in the confessional box. For it was in the confessional that that not all, but more than a few felt it was their responsibility to confess not only their sins, but also the sins of their children, particularly their sons.
When it was time to confess the sins of their sons, I noticed a pattern. They would start by telling me what a good boy he was and how much he loved his mama. However, these warm and loving thoughts would inevitably end with a very important word - “but”. I soon realized that the “but” and what followed would give me a complete l picture of the son. For as they would list their son’s sins, I would see that as they say, there was much room for improvement.
In our 3 readings today, while the word “but” may not always appear, it is very much present, for each reading makes a rather important statement followed by a kind of “but” clarification, a clarification that gives a fuller understanding of the point being made.
In our first reading, Peter tells the people they acted out of ignorance in their choice to kill the Author of Life. Well, that’s kind of comforting. It seems to soften the blame a little. However, then comes the “but” – Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out. In other words, you need to change – you need to turn to God. Okay.
In our second reading John tells us that if anyone sins, good news, you have an advocate, an intercessor, Jesus, who will make things right. Perfect – Jesus is our “get out of jail” card. Then comes the “but” – But if we claim to be a Christian but do not follow the commandments, we are liars. Oops.
In the gospel, Jesus reassures the disciples that He is truly risen from the dead. Praise God for that. Then comes the “but” – so it’s time for you to get to work - to go out and preach repentance and the forgiveness of sins to all the nations. Oh.
St. John wrote that Jesus came into this world to save us (3:16). And Jesus did exactly that, through His death and resurrection. And as icing on the cake, He also gave us the sacrament of baptism to further ensure that you are saved. This sounds sweet – we’ve got it made. However, here’s the “but” to all of that – So don’t screw it up!! What can you do ensure that you don’t screw it up? St. Peter says do the right things, like repenting and turning to God when needed. Or as St. John says, for God’s sake, and your sake, obey those commandments! And while the Risen Jesus freely offers us eternal life, He reminds us, “But I need you to do you part – be that person of faith that I want you to be, be that model of faith to inspire others.” Do those things, and you’ll be fine.
My friends, during the 50 days of the season of Easter we celebrate the reality of the resurrection of Christ and all that it means to us, and then we finish this season with that last great gift from our God, the Gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. God has been so good to us. And Jesus Christ has saved us. And then to help you along in this life we get the Holy Spirit to guide us. Think about all that – no wonder we need 50 days for the Easter season.
A central message of Easter is that Jesus saved us. BUT – we have our part to play – like being true to the commandments, by seeking forgiveness when needed, by changing our ways as needed, and living out the faith day after day. Don’t say that you’ve been saved. Live like you’ve been saved.