Breaking the Word

Tuesday within Easter Octave – 11^th April 2023 – Acts 2,36-41; Jn 20,11-18

Response of Conversion

Today’s first reading presents the immediate results of Peter’s proclamation of the Good news, that three thousand were baptized. He hits the nail hard saying, that the Jews crucified their own Saviour. The first expression of his hearers is that they were ‘cut to the heart’. This expression reflects both their belief in what they have just heard about Jesus as ‘Lord and Messiah’ and regret over their former rejection.  It means that they understand and accept that they crucified David’s heir. They were deeply moved and shaken, and sincerely persuaded to ask what they should do in response. Peter invites them to a new way of life with an act of conversion and full reconciliation with God. If they come to be baptized then their former sins would be forgiven and would receive the gift of the Spirit. Thus, they are invited to re-establish, to deepen their relationship and bond with God.

Monday within Easter Octave – 10^th April 2023 – Acts 2,14.22-33; Mt 28,8-15

Fulfillment of Davidic Psalm

Today’s first reading is Peter’s first sermon after he and other apostles received the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Peter, as leader of the new community, boldly proclaims that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the people gathered in Jerusalem and is the fulfillment of the promises made by God in ages past. His address follows a pattern that became common in the early Church: 1) an explanation of what was happening; 2) the proclamation of death, resurrection and glorification of Jesus Christ; and 3) an exhortation to repentance, a change of life and baptism. In this context, Peter focuses on the psalm of David and shares that David was not talking about himself when he spoke about God not abandoning the chosen one to Hades or allowing the faithful one to undergo corruption. Peter points out that these words of the psalm are fulfilled in Jesus, the descendant of David. Jesus was liberated from death and death had no power over him. Finally, Peter boldly proclaims that he and the other apostles are witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection and his living presence among men.