May 3

Today’s Readings: ACTS 2:14, 36-41 PS 23:1-6 1PT 2:20-25 JN 10:1-10

If you think our parish priests are gifted homilists, I’d like to remind you that in this weekend’s first reading, Peter gives his first homily and about 3000 people joined the Church that day. (No pressure, Our Lady of Joy rectory.)

The truth is, it wasn’t about Peter and he knew it. He was filled with the Holy Spirit in a powerful way. The Catholic Church’s first pope had arrived.

And from the beginning, we are supposed to look to our Shepherds and follow their lead. Sadly, we understand that in this broken world, it doesn’t always work out that way. But Peter was canonized, so we can safely assume his lead is a solid one to follow.

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed: “Let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

How often do we find ourselves hesitant to share our faith in Christ Jesus and possibly make another person the slightest bit uncomfortable?

Peter then says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” He goes on, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

Here Peter doesn’t just call out the sin of those who are listening. He reminds them of Jesus healing power to lift them out of it. He reminds them they were made for Christ, not to merely conform to this world. Let’s do the same.

David is the Director of Faith Formation at Our Lady of Joy. If you have comments or questions, send your emails to dlins@oloj.org.

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