There is some confusion among the Gospels and Paul's letters about the exact order of the appearances of Jesus after his resurrection. So in the next few weeks we will be moving around in the Scriptures to cover these stories. Evidently after appearing to the women at the tomb, Jesus next appeared to Peter (see Luke 24:34 and 1 Cor 15:5). The Scriptures don't tell us what Jesus and Peter talked about on that first meeting. Perhaps Peter never told anyone. I suspect they had a little conversation about Peter's actions during Jesus' trial and crucifixion. Peter had denied three times even knowing Jesus - as Jesus had predicted. And Peter was evidently not there when Jesus died. Regret and forgiveness must have been on Peter's mind. Maybe Jesus asked Peter, "Why?" I've often thought of the differences and similarities between Peter and Judas. Both were close associates of Jesus. Both sinned against Jesus. Their sins were not too different from each other. But their actions after their sins were very different. Judas went to the Jewish authorities looking for forgiveness. Receiving none (he had not betrayed them after all), he despaired and killed himself. What if Judas had gone to Jesus for forgiveness? I believe Jesus would have forgiven him. Peter, no doubt, asked Jesus to forgive him. They must have cleared the air in that first private meeting. For reflection: For what do I need God's forgiveness? From whom else do I need to ask forgiveness? Let us pray. Father of Mercies, please bring to mind the actions for which I need to seek forgiveness. Help me to make amends.
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"Do not be afraid." We hear that command several times in the resurrection and post-resurrection accounts. In Matthew's telling of the story of Jesus' resurrection(chapter 28), the angel says it to the women at the tomb. Jesus says it to the women again when he appears to them as they are on their way to tell the other disciples. It must be a fearsome thing to have an angel appear and speak to you and then, shortly after, Jesus appear (poof!) right in front of you when you know he died just a few days ago. Contrary to how the "undead" are portrayed on TV and in movies today, I don't think Jesus looked like a zombie or a vampire. The women recognized Jesus immediately, fell at his feet and worshiped him (verse 9). Perhaps they were afraid at these appearances, but perhaps they were afraid because of the Roman and Jewish authorities and what this might mean for Jesus' little band of followers. For reflection: Am I afraid to believe Jesus rose from the dead? Am I afraid of what believing in Jesus might mean in my life? Am I afraid to face Jesus? Let us pray. Jesus, risen Lord, I too am afraid. I am afraid . . . . |
AliceI started this website and blog on May 1, 2012. I am a Catholic who has been in ministry for many years. I first developed what I would call a close relationship with Jesus in the early 1970s. Ever since then I have been praying with people for healing and other needs. It is because I have seen so many of these prayers answered that I am so bold as to offer to pray for you individually through this website and phone line. Archives
July 2021
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