Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Reflections

• Listening to the first reading, one would have no idea how difficult it was to be a Christian in the first century. Christians were persecuted by the state, making it dangerous to publicly witness to one’s faith. And yet, Saint Luke—the author of Acts—writes as if the early church was a sort of utopia, with everyone sharing what they had and holding everything in common so that no one was in need. Perhaps the danger from outside led them to rely on each other all the more. Perhaps they attached less value to anything beyond the bare necessities because they were so concerned with staying alive. Or perhaps material goods did not hold much value because they expected the second coming was right around the corner. No matter the reason, they did more than share a common faith. They shared a common life.


• John writes that the disciples locked the doors of the upper room “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19), but it may well be that they were afraid of more than the religious authorities who had turned Jesus over to Pilate. After all, hadn’t they all pretty much abandoned him at the end when he was in danger? No one was there to oppose the mob who chanted for his crucifixion. Peter had even denied him three times. An unfortunate Cyrenian had to help carry his cross. Perhaps what the disciples really feared was God’s judgment. Mark admits that they were afraid after seeing the empty tomb. John says they didn’t yet understand what “rising from the dead” meant. Perhaps when they began to understand, they feared that he would return disappointed in them or angry at them. But Jesus disarms them when he greets them, “Peace be with you” (20:19), repeating it as their fear turns to joy.

• With these four words, Jesus forgives them, offering the divine mercy we celebrate today. When we say these four words to someone—be they close family or a casual acquaintance—we share that divine mercy with them, assuring them that in the risen Lord our hearts are at peace. They may have hurt us, we may have fought with them, we may have made it a point to avoid them, but with these four simple words we reconcile with them, extending the mercy that forgives past wrongs, realizing that God’s mercy is showered on us all.

Question of the Week

In what way do I notice the gift of God’s mercy today? To whom do I need to extend mercy?

-from Pastoral Patterns

LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, April 7, 2024

SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, April 7, 2024

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