Leave for Galilee

LEAVE FOR GALILEE, YOU WILL SEE ME THERE: Acts 2:14.22-33, Mt. 28:8-15. Today’s first reading presents us with the first sermon on Pentecost. Peter boldly proclaims the fulfillment of the promises made by God. He focuses on today's Psalm: "So my heart was glad and my tongue cried out with joy; my body, too, will rest in the hope that you will not abandon my soul to Hades nor allow your holy one to experience corruption." Peter points out that this Psalm is fulfilled in the person of Jesus who is God among His people and will not abandon the soul of the chosen one to the nether world or allowing the faithful one to undergo corruption. Although, Jesus was crucified, He arose on the third day. Peter remarks that he and the other apostles are witnesses to the Risen Lord Jesus.

After experiencing the resurrection, the woman in today's Gospel announced the message of the resurrection to the group of believers who mourned the death of Jesus. In contrast, the religious leaders develop a plan to cover up the resurrection of Christ and spread false report that the disciples had taken the body at night. They made unending effort to quell the joy and suppress the good news of the resurrection. The authorities tried to suppress it, even today it continues; the women who were the first witnesses of the resurrection were afraid and they said nothing to any one (Mk 6:8). Yet, the message of the resurrection reverberated in the heart of humanity and enliven countless lives till today. It is a power that cannot be bridled. It is a grace that cannot be resisted. The Psalmist rightly understood this mysterious power as he puts it: “There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard, yet their voice goes through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Ps 19:3-4).

May the Lord renew us and grant eternal life to everyone we meet! Amen!! Good morning and have a fulfilled and successful week!!!

Revd Fr Samuel Frederick