Scripture Readings
After Peter healed the man lame from birth, who had been begging at the Beautiful gate, the man joyfully walked with the Apostles in the Temple. At the portico of Solomon Peter addresses the crowds, emphasising that the man had been cured by the power of the God the Jews believed in, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God’s kingdom is already becoming visible.
Perhaps reflecting later antagonism between Jews and Christians, Peter goes on to say that it was “you”, “men of Israel” who insisted on killing Jesus, declared innocent by Pilate. But, Peter adds, they “acted in ignorance” so that God’s plan would be fulfilled. (Vatican II insisted that this was only some Jews, and it condemned antisemitism (NE4)).
Paul appointed presbyters to lead his young churches. Thirty years later, John’s community appears to have little structure. But there are problems: “many antichrists have come”, and some members have left the community, perhaps misled by the small amount of moral teaching in John’s Gospel. Paul’s hierarchical model survived, but tension between structure and charism continues.
How strange the resurrected Jesus appears! The two disciples had recognised Jesus after he had left them in the inn on the way to Emmaus, but now they are frightened, thinking him a ghost.
Psalm Response: Lift up the light of your face on us, O Lord.
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