Breaking the Word

Thursday within Easter Octave – 13^th 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).

Wednesday within Easter Octave – 12^th April 2023 – Acts 3,1-10; Lk 24,13-35

Doing Good in Jesus’ Name

The first reading presents the first healing performed by Peter and John, the most prominent persons among the apostles. By this, they show that the work of Jesus is continuing in the disciples. The story indicates that the power of Jesus has been transferred to his followers, as Jesus promised. The fact that two are involved in the healing indicates that the work of Jesus is being done, not so much by individuals, but by the community which he left to carry on his mission. When faced with a lame beggar, Peter offers something better than money: healing. His priority is spiritual not material. The healing is not done by Peter himself, but in the name of Jesus. Here ‘name’ encompasses the essence of the person: Jesus’ character, sovereignty, authority, power and identity as God. Peter was able to achieve this, because he had faith in the person of Jesus. He had the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1,8; 2,1-4). He had authority from Jesus to heal (Jn 16,23). And he had the confidence that Jesus’s words will come true: “The one who believes in me will do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these” (Jn 14,12).