Readings for Thursday of the Second Week of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 5:27-33
As in the previous case when they had cured the lame beggar, the Apostles (this time all of them, not just Peter and John) are brought before the Sanhedrin. It is interesting to see that the elders and scribes fear to speak the name of Jesus in these proceedings (“…stop teaching in that name”).
Peter now assumes his role as leader of the Apostles and again boldly professes his faith that Jesus, in whose name they speak and whose name the Sanhedrin fear to speak, is the Son of God (“We must obey God rather than man.”).
Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The Psalm and response continue from yesterday with praise and thanksgiving for God’s saving works and his special care for the poor. The Old Testament God of Justice is very visible in this selection.
Gospel Jn 3:31-36
In today’s selection as we hear the conclusion of Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus. This passage is almost a reflection by the Gospel writer on the proceeding dialogue and monologue. Here we find the Lord, in no uncertain terms, telling Nicodemus that the Messiah, who comes from above is of God and with God in his kingship over all creation. He goes on to explain that all he has said and taught, since it proceeds from that authority given by the father, is true and all who believe in this truth shall receive eternal life. The passage concludes with a formula similar to the “blessings and curses” statements made in God’s covenants with Abraham and Moses.
Homily:
If the story in Acts were a play or story unfolding, the Gospel today could be that narrated voice running through the mind of Peter as he and the rest of the Apostles stand before the Sanhedrin. Peter must see the fear and anger in the faces of those men. They had gone to great lengths to have the Author of Life put to death – humiliated – completely discredited yet now they are faced with an even bigger problem.
How do they kill one who has already conquered death? They had already locked up Peter and John after they pulled that stunt with the lame beggar at the “Beautiful Gate” and now they are not only back but everyone in Jerusalem has heard about it. In spite of their best efforts, the will of God will not be denied.
And here Peter stands, with his brothers, facing the fear and rage men who killed the Lord. And through his head run the words; “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life”. Emboldened by this memory, he hurls the Risen Lord into their faces “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree”
Their fear grows and our faith burns within us. Our Easter celebration was just a week and half ago and we are called once more to go into the world and proclaim the good news to all we meet. Through our words and actions, we are to let every one we meet know that we too believe in the Lord who for our salvation endured pain and death, defeating both that we might have life.
Pax
[1] After Link Expiration
[2] The Image presented today is “Apostles before Sanhedrin” by Johann Christoph Weigel, 1695
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible at Universalis
Commentary:
Reading 1 Acts 5:27-33
As in the previous case when they had cured the lame beggar, the Apostles (this time all of them, not just Peter and John) are brought before the Sanhedrin. It is interesting to see that the elders and scribes fear to speak the name of Jesus in these proceedings (“…stop teaching in that name”).
Peter now assumes his role as leader of the Apostles and again boldly professes his faith that Jesus, in whose name they speak and whose name the Sanhedrin fear to speak, is the Son of God (“We must obey God rather than man.”).
Responsorial Psalm Ps 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
The Psalm and response continue from yesterday with praise and thanksgiving for God’s saving works and his special care for the poor. The Old Testament God of Justice is very visible in this selection.
Gospel Jn 3:31-36
In today’s selection as we hear the conclusion of Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus. This passage is almost a reflection by the Gospel writer on the proceeding dialogue and monologue. Here we find the Lord, in no uncertain terms, telling Nicodemus that the Messiah, who comes from above is of God and with God in his kingship over all creation. He goes on to explain that all he has said and taught, since it proceeds from that authority given by the father, is true and all who believe in this truth shall receive eternal life. The passage concludes with a formula similar to the “blessings and curses” statements made in God’s covenants with Abraham and Moses.
Homily:
If the story in Acts were a play or story unfolding, the Gospel today could be that narrated voice running through the mind of Peter as he and the rest of the Apostles stand before the Sanhedrin. Peter must see the fear and anger in the faces of those men. They had gone to great lengths to have the Author of Life put to death – humiliated – completely discredited yet now they are faced with an even bigger problem.
How do they kill one who has already conquered death? They had already locked up Peter and John after they pulled that stunt with the lame beggar at the “Beautiful Gate” and now they are not only back but everyone in Jerusalem has heard about it. In spite of their best efforts, the will of God will not be denied.
And here Peter stands, with his brothers, facing the fear and rage men who killed the Lord. And through his head run the words; “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life”. Emboldened by this memory, he hurls the Risen Lord into their faces “The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, though you had him killed by hanging him on a tree”
Their fear grows and our faith burns within us. Our Easter celebration was just a week and half ago and we are called once more to go into the world and proclaim the good news to all we meet. Through our words and actions, we are to let every one we meet know that we too believe in the Lord who for our salvation endured pain and death, defeating both that we might have life.
Pax
[1] After Link Expiration
[2] The Image presented today is “Apostles before Sanhedrin” by Johann Christoph Weigel, 1695
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