Knowing Jesus as Lord and Christ

 Reflection on Today's Readings, Tuesday of Easter Octave, Year B, April 6th, 2021
Texts: Acts 2:36-41; Ps. 33:4-5,18-20.22; John 20:11-18
There is a fact about resurrection that everyone must know. In today's first reading, Peter calls our attentions to that knowledge. He says, "Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” We must know that by resurrection Jesus Christ has been established as Lord and Christ. However, it was not that Jesus Christ had not been Lord and Christ before His resurrection, but the point is that His resurrection leaves no one with doubt that He is truly Lord and Christ. He was killed because He revealed Himself as Lord and Christ. In another words, He was killed because He revealed Himself as the Son of God (John 19:7). Hence, Paul says, "This is the gospel concerning his Son who, in terms of human nature was born a descendant of David and who, in terms of the Spirit and holiness, was designated Son of God in power by resurrection from the dead: JesusChrist, our Lord" (Rom. 1:3-4).
Jesus, being Lord and Christ, is our hope, the awaited Messiah, one who is sent by God to save us. Then, the people realized that the condemnation of Jesus to death is the rejection of hope of salvation that God offered them. Therefore, they realized the gravity of their sins and were cut to the heart. When they asked Peter what to do, he said, "Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". To repent is to have a change of heart, to change one's ways of life, to change one's orientation. To be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins is to submit to the authority of Jesus Christ through baptism of water for participation in the fruits of redemptive price. The fruit of His redemptive price is forgiveness of sin.
The resurrection of Jesus has left us with no doubt about His Lordship and Christhood. Hence, resurrection is an eye-opener to know that  Jesus is Lord and Christ. As Lord, He rules and He deserves our submission and obedience of faith. This means we are to keep His words and commandments and listen to His voice. As Christ, He is the anointed of God, one whom God has sent to save us and deliver us from sin and eternal death. This means He is the hope of salvation that God has offered us. The rejection of Christ is the rejection of salvation.
The gospel reading reminds us to search for Jesus Christ like Mary Magdalene. She searched for Jesus Christ and she found Him. Having met and experienced the resurrected Christ, we are to go and tell others, "I have seen the Lord”. Let us continue to proclaim the resurrection of Christ, inviting others to meet and experience Jesus Christ.

God our Father, we acknowledge your Son as Lord and Christ, help us to submit to His authority and to always keep His words and commandments. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke