Breaking the Word

Tuesday within Easter Octave – 2^nd April 2024 – Acts 2,36-41; Jn 20,11-18

Effects of Preaching

Today’s first reading presents the immediate results of Peter’s proclamation of the good news that three thousand were baptized. The listeners were moved and cut to the heart. They come to believe that Jesus was raised by God from the dead and that Jesus is both Lord and Christ. They believe that Jesus is truly God and Saviour of the world. Their new faith in Jesus spurs them to ask Peter: “What are we to do?” Peter answers: “Repent and be baptized.” Repentance was important in the message of the forerunner, John the Baptist (Mk 1,4; Lk 3,3), in the preaching of Jesus (Mk 1,15; Lk 13,3), and in the directions Jesus left just before his ascension (Lk 24,47). John’s baptism was powerless to forgive sins. The baptism preached by Peter is able to forgive sins. John’s baptism cleansed the people with water and led to conversion of heart. Peter’s baptism in Jesus’ name effectively cleanses the people with the Holy Spirit and increases members into God’s family. The kerygma of the early church was to believe, repent and be baptized in order to be saved from this life. Through Peter’s preaching apostles and the people witnessed this through the conversion of heart.

Wednesday of the Holy Week – 27^th March 2024 – Isaiah 50,4-9;  Mt 26,14-25

Mission to the Weary  

The first reading presents the third song of the suffering servant. It goes deeper into the mystery of the Servant’s prophetic mission and passion. The Servant speaks about his past obedience and sufferings as the disciple of the Lord. He is also confident that the Lord will vindicate him against his opponents. God has given his Servant the ability to speak eloquently and instructed him on the mission to the weary. This mission to the weary extends to all people: the Jews are weary under the burden of the Law of Moses and the Gentiles are weary under the burden of false idols. Jesus as the suffering servant is sent on the mission from God: to free all humanity from its weariness. His mission involves suffering on behalf of his people. Although he bears sufferings and rejection, yet finally he is exalted and vindicated. It is his suffering that brings justice, salvation and blessings to all those who are weary.