THURSDAY, EASTER OCTAVE
Acts 3: 11-26 Ps 8: 2, 5-9 Lk 24: 35-48
“REPENT AND TURN TO GOD”
In the first reading, Peter, with a mixture of conviction and compassion, confronts the assembled people with their role in the unjust crucifixion of Jesus. This wasn’t merely a political decision; it was a spiritual rejection, a turning away from the source of life itself. Peter’s address, transcends mere accusation. He acknowledges the crowd’s likely ignorance, recognizing that they may not have fully understood the significance of the man they were condemning. It was, he explains, a fulfilment of God’s prophetic word. The prophets, throughout the centuries, had foretold the suffering of the Messiah. This suffering, though deeply unjust in the eyes of humanity, was a necessary part of God’s plan for salvation.
This concept of divine sovereignty in the face of human sin is a profound theological truth. It acknowledges that even in the darkest moments of human history, God’s ultimate purpose prevails. While the crowd’s actions were undeniably sinful, they ultimately served a greater purpose, the redemption of humanity through the sacrifice of Christ. This paradox highlights the intricate interplay between human free will and God’s divine plan, demonstrating that even in the face of human rebellion, God can bring about His ultimate purpose of salvation. Peter’s message culminates in a call to repentance.
Repentance is more than simply feeling remorseful. It involves a radical shift in one’s thinking, a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It is a conscious decision to embrace a new way of life, a life characterized by faith in Jesus Christ. This involves not only acknowledging one’s past sins but also actively seeking to amend one’s ways, to live in accordance with God’s will. It is a daily commitment to put to death the old self – the self that is driven by sin and self-interest, and to embrace the new life offered by Christ – a life characterized by love, compassion, and obedience to God’s will.
Response: O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name
through all the earth!
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