In the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Easter, the Risen Lord feeds the apostles breakfast on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias. After a miraculous catch of fish, the disciples enjoy the seaside meal. They recognize the Risen Lord prepared the food. “When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lamb’ ” (John 21: 15). The Risen Lord remains present with us in the Eucharistic meal. The real presence of Christ in bread, wine, word, priest, and people nurtures our love for others. Nourished by the love of Christ, we nourish others with the same love. Through the love of Christ, we satisfy those hungry for food, companionship, employment, health, and those with other physical and spiritual needs. How do you satisfy the hungers of others?
In the Gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter C, the Risen Lord appears to his disciples a second time. Thomas was not there the first time. He had refused to believe unless he saw for himself. This time Jesus says to him, ” ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed’ ” (John 20: 29b). Even though we have not seen Jesus in the flesh, we still believe. At a recent Bible Study, my pastor explained that the quality of the life of a person who believes in the Risen Lord is proof of the Resurrection. Those who are patient in a world of suffering, sincere in a deceitful world, generous in a selfish world. What difference does your belief in the Risen Lord make in the way you live your life?
In the Gospel for Easter Sunday: The Resurrection of the Lord, Mary of Magdala finds Jesus’ tomb empty. She runs to tell Peter and the others. “When Simon Peter arrived … he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed” (John 20: 6-8). Jesus is alive. He has risen from the dead. Through the Holy Spirit Christians share in his new life. We are witnesses of God’s love to everyone. Our loving example may inspire others to believe. Parents love their children. St. Vincent de Paul volunteers serve lunch to the hungry. Adult children care for their parents with dementia. Engaged couples profess their love on their wedding day. Lawmakers advocate for health care. People risk their lives defending the poor. How do you inspire others to believe in Jesus?
In the Gospel for Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion C, Jesus suffers betrayal, persecution, and death. Even Peter betrays Jesus. He denies knowing Jesus three times. “About an hour later, still another insisted, ‘Assuredly, this man too was with him, for he also is a Galilean.’ But Peter said, ‘My friend, I do not know what you are talking about.’ Just as he was saying this, the cock crowed, and the Lord turned and looked at Peter; and Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ He went out and began to weep bitterly (Luke 22: 59-62). Like Peter, I have felt like a failure. I tried to be the perfect parent. Everytime I failed, I felt remorse. By God’s grace I realized I was not the perfect. Yet God stilled loved me. As he did with Peter, Jesus looked at me with only love. Knowing God’s forgiveness made me a better parent. How does God’s loving forgiveness make you a better Christian?
In the Gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Lent C, Jesus saves the life of the woman caught in adultery. After her accusers leave, Jesus is alone with her. “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more” (John 8: 10b-11). Jesus offers the women compassionate mercy, not vengeful condemnation. God is crazy in love with us. Through Jesus, God invites us into loving relationships. God does not condemn us. We do that ourselves by refusing God’s love. The more I realize God’s incredible love, the more generous I am in loving others. The more resentful, angry, afraid, and jealous I am, the more I separate myself from God and others. When I feel hurt by my wife, I do not want to talk to her. Remembering God’s loving mercy for me and for her, I brave a reconciliation. In what ways does God’s forgiveness and mercy motivate you to love others?
scripturechat 