Looking for a Witness

Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 1; 1 John 2:1-5a; Luke 24:35-48

Our readings today remind us that Christ died on the cross for our sins – and that three days later He rose from the dead – in Christ our sins are forgiven and death has been defeated.

In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles – we find Peter – who as we know denied Christ three times – we find him now though speaking out – boldly – to the people – there is no denying Christ anymore for Peter – he tells them that they acted out of ignorance – he treats them with compassion – he gives them an excuse to hide their sinful actions behind – he tells them that they didn’t know any better – when they handed Jesus – the Son of God – over to Pilate – and even when Pilate could find no case against Jesus and had decided to release him – they denied Christ when they asked for the release of a murderer – Barabbas – instead of the release of Jesus. He tells them that what they did was wrong – it was a sin – but he allows them to keep a little dignity by saying they didn’t know any better – that they acted out of ignorance.

Peter tells them that this Jesus - the man they crucified on the cross was indeed the Son of God – the fulfillment of all that was spoken by the prophets – and that now because of His death and resurrection – of which he himself was a witness to – now – for you and I – sinners – there is hope. Peter encourages each of us today – to repent, to change our hearts, to be converted, so that our sins – no matter how bad or no matter how many – may be washed clean – wiped away – by the Blood of the Lamb.

Peter tells them that it was God’s will – His plan for salvation, a plan that Jesus accepted and that the prophets announced – it was our heavenly Father’s will that His Son should suffer, die, and then rise again – and that this Holy Sacrifice would restore to those of us – who believe, who repent, who change our hearts – this Holy Sacrifice – which will be re-presented today here on this altar – restored our relationship with God – this Holy Sacrifice opened once again the gates of Heaven.

So we have to ask ourselves in light of our first reading – do we want to be part of that – do we want our families and friends to be part of that? The answer of course to that question is yes if we truly love them – we want only what is best for them and ourselves – and whats best for us and them is Jesus – a personal, loving relationship with Him.

So if you want to be part of all that then listen to what St John says in our second reading – “I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin – but if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father – Jesus Christ – He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.”

St. John is encouraging us today to avoid sin as much as possible – but he realizes that we are weak and no matter how hard we might try we can and do fall into sin but we need not stay there – we have an Advocate now – one who pleads for us with the Father – Jesus Christ.

We are surrounded by temptations – but guess what – we are also surrounded by God’s love too. Although committing sin may be inevitable – the effort you and I make just to avoid sin expresses our love for the Lord and a sincere gratitude for all that He has done for us.

So what are we supposed to do – well first if we have committed sin we have to go to reconciliation because sin separates us from God – going to reconciliation – receiving absolution – allows His grace to work in us to help us avoid sin – and second when we feel temptation we need to pray – to ask the Lord to be with us – to help us – to give us the strength we need to avoid sin and temptation.

That’s what I do – I pray when I am tempted to sin – I ask the Lord to help me with whatever temptation it is that I might be facing – and it works – it works because I have a relationship with God – it works because I love Him and I know He loves me – and just like He does everything for me – I want to do everything I can to please Him – so I pray and I remind myself of everything the Lord has done for me and I turn away from sin because what did St John say – “those who say I know him but do not keep His commandments are liars and the truth is not in them. But whoever keeps His word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

That’s what I want – that’s what each of us should want – the love of God perfected in each of us – then and only then will we be able to share that love with others.

And in our Gospel reading from Luke we hear just one of the many stories about Jesus appearing to the disciples after His resurrection – we hear that they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus puts their fears to rest – He shows them the wounds on His hands and feet – He encourages them to touch Him and He eats in their presence – so they can see that He is not a ghost but real flesh and blood – that He truly did rise from the dead and is alive – now in His gloried body.

Then He opened the scriptures to them and explained how everything was fulfilled and that now they are witnesses – called to share with all nations this good news – that anyone who believes in Him and keeps His commandments will be saved.

Today's readings remind us that Christ died on the cross for not only our sins but those of the whole world; our readings remind us that by dying on the Cross Jesus destroyed death and that by rising He restored life and on top of that Jesus now intercedes for each of us before our Heavenly Father; our readings today remind us of the importance of witnessing to our faith – sharing it with all nations – but that witness has to begin with each of us – in our hearts – and then in our homes – and then with everyone we come into contact with – today we are reminded that we are called to witness to our faith by keeping His commandments – and if we do that God’s love will be perfected and abound in each of us and we will become lights unto the nations. Amen!