“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” – ACTS 2: 40

 

Without the reference to the opening quote, you may have thought that I was quoting someone from today rather than St Peter from today’s First Reading.  It is interesting how this quote is used from generation to generation from the beginning of civilization.  St John the Baptist was right when he said, before kingdoms can change, men must change.

 

Peter cuts right to it when he informs the whole House of Israel what they had done.  For their part, those who hear him seek guidance to understand what they must do.  The answer, Repent, be Baptized, receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and proclaim the Gospel.  My Sisters and Brothers, it was not just the House of Israel, we too are responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.  We who have been Baptized and have received the Holy Spirit, how are we spreading the Good News of the Gospel?

 

The life we chose to change by “giving up” or doing something different during Lent, are we back living with it now that Easter Sunday has been celebrated?  Did we show ourselves that we can change and live without for more than 40 days?  Was it an exercise of change with commitment or one of convenience?  

 

Mary Magdalene changed her life by her encounter with Jesus.  In doing so, she watched Him do great works, suffer, and die.  Then going to care for Him, she discovers that her Rabbouni, or Teacher, was no longer in need of care but was in fact, still her and our Caretaker.  Open for her Faith, Hope and Love to grow in each encounter with Jesus, Mary Magdalene is now ready to go and spread the Good News that Jesus reveals.  Not just to the Apostles after the Resurrection but to all she comes in contact with daily.

 

Mary Magdalene was so overcome by the presence of Jesus, her Rabbouni, that her perfume and spices were forgotten and are no longer mentioned in the text of today’s Gospel. This is similar to what happened with the Samaritan woman at the well, who was so mesmerized by her encounter with Jesus that she left her water jar at the well to go tell others about Jesus (JN 4:7, 28). Those things which were formerly in our life should no longer be important when we encounter the risen Jesus and chose to be transformed. That means making a thorough, dramatic, and permanent change in how we live our life.  It will not be easy as it was not for Peter, Mary Magdalene, or any disciple.  However, as we know, ALL things are possible with God!!

 

During this Octave of Easter, let us ask the risen Jesus to reveal Himself to us. Encounter Jesus as your Rabbouni, the Master, Who is close to your heart.  Let the risen presence of Jesus transform each of us into fearless disciples.  As we begin this transformation, then we will begin to show those in our community how things can change for the good.  Converting, not with violence, cheating, and corruption, our society to realize the importance of being One Nation Under God!!  If we each work daily to be all God created us to be, then our communities will, and then the light of the Nation will burn brightly, for all the world to see.  It begins with each one of us.

 

"Lord Jesus, may I never fail to recognize your voice nor lose sight of your presence as you open the Scriptures for me and speak your life-giving word."

 

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!  

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi

Houston, TX