Readings:
Acts 2: 36-41
John 20: 11-18
Reflection
On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke with great courage. He who denied Jesus three times now makes a courageous outcry of who Jesus is. He proclaims Jesus as the Lord and Christ without fear. He also testifies to the fact that Jesus was unjustly crucified. And he preaches the message of repentance.
This was a powerful witness by Peter, who himself wept bitterly and repented for failing Jesus. Both Judas and Peter failed Jesus. While Peter repented, Judas despaired. While Peter was generous, Judas was selfish. While Peter was weak, Judas was evil.
Like Peter, there are times we fail the Lord. We might have good intentions, but we are weak. We want to be faithful, but we fall short in our good desires. All that we can do is to lift our hearts and minds to the Lord and say, “Lord, have mercy”.
As we continue in the Easter season let’s celebrate the hope it brings. No matter how strong are the limitations, failures, and desolations; how deep is the anguish, pain and death, Christ can roll back the stone and we can emerge with him from the tomb. Every Easter reminds us that we can be reborn, and we can restart. We can pen down a new chapter in our stories.
Happy Easter!
Justin Durai Raj CP is a member of the Passionist community at St.Paul, Glen Osmond, SA.