Friday within Easter Octave – 14th April 2023 – Acts 4,1-12; Jn 21,1-14
Fulfillment of the Psalm
In the first reading, after the proclamation and healing, the next stage in the mission of the disciples takes place, namely, persecution and harassment as promised by Jesus. John and Peter are arrested and are questioned by the religious leaders and Sadducees concerning the healing that was done to the crippled man. Sadducees were upset with the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection. What strikes in this scene is the boldness of Peter. He is once again filled with the Holy Spirit which gives him both courage and eloquence to speak out boldly. He proclaims that his credential is the ‘name of Jesus’ which empowers him and brings salvation and healing to the people. Peter goes on to quote part of Psalm 118 and tells them that ‘Jesus is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone.’ As in Matthew’s gospel who quotes Old Testament prophecies as fulfillment, here too, Peter quotes the fulfillment of the Psalm as needed in early Christian preaching. In this passage, we find that mocking and attacking our faith in Christ and his Gospel is certain for every believer. However, we will be provided with what we need when faced with hostility and even persecution.
