Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: Most of us seem to respond -- however imperfectly -- to the great events of our lives.  Special moments in our life like the birth of a child or the death of a loved one change the way we ordinarily live.  When something special happens we stop to appreciate, to evaluate, to react. We buy gifts, we pray, we spread the word, we come together. Our emotions match the moment: gladness, grief, and everything in between.
 
This is what makes the text of the Acts of the Apostles so full of life.  Like you and I, the people of Jerusalem and beyond are responding to a great moment of their lives.  There is confusion, celebration and concern.  Something big has happened, and people are on the move.
 
The Church nourishes our Easter reality these days with readings of women and men excited with the Risen Lord’s spirit.  The Easter event has not gone unnoticed.  A trial.  A crucifixion.  A resurrection?  Quite the combination!  Our scene from Acts today shows more and more people affected and, subsequently, more and more people responding.  And though the process isn't always easy, from our vantage point as readers of today's Scripture we see a great Christian movement at work.
 
The Gospel provides an important insight to accompany the activity of Acts.  It's not a post-Easter Gospel, but it speaks to a post-Easter reality.  The disciples, frightened, face the uncertainty of darkness.  Winds swirl and waves rise as this group looks to proceed without the physical presence of Jesus.  And yet, in the end, and in a way mysterious indeed, Jesus is with this group.  "Do not be afraid."  In the end his advice is rather simple yet bold.
 
It is advice we can heed today in our own post-Easter reality.  Yes, something big has happened, and we need to respond -- each in your own way.  As scary as it can be, let’s not be intimidated by confusion and uncertainty.  It is important to respond.  It may seem at times like Jesus is not with us, but he is!
 
Have a great Saturday everyone.