Sunday Homily, April 15, 2018, 3rd Easter (B)
Our brother – sister act, beautiful
Readings:
Acts of the Apostles 3, 13-5, 17-19, Peter speaks again.
Psalm 4, Lord, Let you face shine on us.
1 John 2, 1-5, Whoever keeps his word, the word of God is perfected in him.
John 24, 35-48, Jesus appears in the upper room.
Trying out for the choir Buddy?
Acts: A review–
Author: Luke, the author of both The Gospel and Acts. Today we get Luke twice, in the first reading with Acts and in the last reading, today's Gospel.
While we are on the subject, Luke's gospel story today is a compliment to last week's gospel story by John. Both John & Luke find the apostles in a locked room, Jesus appears, and he says, "Peace." Both focus on the physical, last week on Thomas demanding to see the wounds, this week Jesus eating. What does he eat? Why so much focus on the physical?
Date: written about 40-60 years after Jesus death, i.e., ca. 70-100 A.D.
Suited up and ready to go!
Subject: Two parts. Part one covers chapters 1-8, which focus on the resurrection, ascension, and Pentecost, plus their effect on the community. The rest of the book, i.e., chapters 9-28, the focus is on Paul, his conversion & travels.
Today's Selection:
The scene is this, just like last week. Peter & John have just healed a lame man at the door of the temple. The people come rushing to see. Peter & John say, "Hey, we did not do it." In fact, Jesus did it and he has been raised from the dead. This caught the attention of the priests and authorities who had the two arrested and put before the council. They are released the next day after a warning not to talk about this Jesus. Then they return to the local community of believers.
Today we go back to the time just after the healing of the lame man. The people have rushed to see the phenomenon and ask Peter & John to explain. Today's reading is their explanation.
Love for Kids Picnic & our team under the patronage of St.Bonaventure U., NY
Let Your Face Shine Upon Us
I want to talk about how the Lord’s face shone upon me this week. Two stories.
First, Thursday afternoon Rosemary & I finally went for a bike ride down & back on the White Rock Creek Trail. I’ve already mentioned often what a jewel this path is. With the forest and the birds singing, is this Dallas?
As usual we stopped for a break on the bridge overlooking the doggie park swimming hole. It is always a joy watching the dogs jumping into the water & playing. Thursday there was one lab especially joyous and full of energy.
Good Morning, My Dearest Zoe.
The lady who was his owner would toss a stick as far as she could into the water. She and the dog were on the third level of the terraced bank, all paved. That dog would race down the two levels and then launch himself (or herself) a good ten feet above the water.
That dog was the Lord’s face shining upon us.
The second story has to do with that beloved and cursed Love for the Kids picnic, cursed because it always takes place on a Saturday, when I am pretty busy getting ready for you know what.
The Offertory Team, Beth & Emma, Allan & Aggie.
So, I am driving north on I35 sort of grousing at that Hammond who keeps inviting me to events like this and at the same time aware that I always return home richer and more humbled. I then realize that Bill is also inviting me to Dickenson again and to a CO backpacking trip. And I am saying no to everything. This even goes to L’Alliance Francais, where I am getting invited more and more to plug back in after about a half a year dropping out.
It hit me, am I getting to be some kind of old stay at home? Some old monk? I confess I just love staying at home hanging around with Rosemary & Aviana.
You think I'm going to trust that right hand of yours, Sir Charlie? No way!
As I drive along, L’Alliance Francais came to my mind. Monday evening I have a two hour class with a group of voyajeurs, travelers to France. 5:00 P.M. I wish I did not have to go. I go. And return full of joy.
All this went through my mind as I drive north on I35 to Love for Kids. I realized I do not want to only stay at home. As I walk around the picnic grounds I know I want to go to L’Alliance and to Dickinson and to CO. Sign me up, Bill.
This Love for Kids Picnic is dangerous, Folks.
These are two ways the Lord’s face shone on me this week.
And You?
Good Morning, Beth, Sir Charlie is awaiting you. Does he have a deal for you, like a motor enhanced bike. Oh, I forget. You already have one.