Today is the third Sunday of Easter.
In today’s second reading, from the first letter of John, we hear that Jesus is “expiation for our sins”. That word, expiation, isn’t one we hear anywhere else other than Scripture. It means a payment of ransom. As Christians we were in a bad spot. We, and our ancestors, had sinned but did not have a way to escape the penalty of death imposed for those sins. God, in His love for us, provided a way out. That way involved Jesus.
When we think about salvation what do we think about? God’s great love for us? Surely. But what about our responsibilities as His people once we are among the saved? While we know we cannot earn our salvation we may not realize we take on a new role once Baptized, and especially once Confirmed. That role is to spread the good news of Jesus through word and deed.
When we say yes to God we’re saying yes to more than our own eternity. We’re saying yes to cooperating with God to extend His love and offer of salvation to others. We’re all in different situations so what is expected of us differs from one to another, but there should be no question, we all have a job in the big scheme of salvation.
I wrote last week about God’s mercy and how we can pass it on to others through the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. We should absolutely be doing that but ultimately getting people to heaven is the greatest responsibility we have. Now, I don’t mean to imply that we have the power to save. We do not. Only God saves but we have a role to play in witnessing to the faith and living a life that attracts others to Christ.
The commandments of Christ, to love, serve, and forgive, are all counter-cultural to much of the world. To be sure there are those who do those things but they aren’t the norm. We know what the norm is. Just look around the world. It can be overwhelming when seeing the needs of the world for the Light of Christ. The darkness so many live in can seem so powerful that you might wonder, what’s the point? Remember, for most of us our role is local. That is, influence those around us. Bloom where you’re planted is another popular saying about this.
So, I hope, as we live the joyous Easter season we can all rededicate ourselves to bring that Light of Christ to others. This world needs it in a terrible way right now and you and I have been put in this time and place for a reason.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace, Bob
This and That BLOG 