Thursday within Easter Octave – 13th April 2023 – Acts 3,11-26; Lk 24,35-48
Bold Proclamation
Today’s first reading is a continuation of yesterday’s reading. Immediately after the dramatic cure, Peter, John and crippled man go into the temple. Peter takes the opportunity to address the crowds to explain the meaning of what they have just witnessed. He also explains the fulfillment of God’s promise that the complete restoration of the chosen people has begun in and through Jesus, who is now risen. Peter forcefully attacks the Jews of how they rejected the Messiah by choosing to crucify Jesus and release a murderer Barabbas. He uses the phrase ‘handed over’, which runs like a refrain through the Gospel. Further, Peter states that whom they handed over was the ‘Holy and Righteous One”, indicating Jesus’ special relationship to the Father and his sinlessness – in stark contrast to the guilt of the murderous Barabbas. ‘Holy’ both in his divine and human nature and being the fountain of holiness to his people (Ps 16,10). ‘Righteous or Just’ both in his person, and in the discharge of his office, and in bringing righteousness for his people. This language has been partially anticipated in the Gospel as demoniacs proclaim Christ as ‘Holy’ (Mk 1,24); as ‘Holy One of God’ in Peter’s Confession (Jn 6,69) and Pilate’s wife and Pilate himself emphatically bearing witness to Jesus as ‘just’ (Mt 27,19.24).
