Resurrection: Victory Over Human Wickedness

 Reflection on Today’s Readings, 3rd Sunday of Easter, May 1st, 2022
Texts: Acts 5 :27b-32.40b-41; Ps 30:2.4-6.11-13b; Rev. 5: 11-14; John 21: 1 - 19
Reflecting on today’s readings reminds us that the news brings to us by resurrection is the news of victory and God’s rule in Jesus. It brings to mind the words of St. John in the book of revelation: “Then I heard a voice shout from heaven, ‘Victory and power and empire for ever have been won by our God, and all authority for his Christ” (12:10). Resurrection is a victory over human wickedness. This is clear in the words of St. Peter in today’s first reading: “The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.” It was human wickedness that led Jesus Christ to the Cross; He was killed out of human wickedness. Resurrection gives an answer to the question of evil in the world. Evil may exist but never has the final word; resurrection is the final word. After resurrection we cannot be affected by evil anymore.
Jesus Christ became Leader and Saviour by resurrection. Resurrection has the message that, though man may plan evil, God has a way of turning it around for good. This brings to mind the prophetic words of Isaiah: “Take counsel together, but it shall be brought to naught; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us” (8:10). They planned to cut Jesus down by killing Him but God raised Him up to be Leader and Saviour. By killing Him, He became worthy of power and honour. In the second reading, it is said, “’Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!’ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all therein, saying, ‘To him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might for ever and ever!’”
The believer in resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ are witnesses to His resurrection. St. Peter says, “And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” What are we witnesses to? We are witnesses to the victory of God over human wickedness; the people killed Jesus but God raised Him up from the dead. How do we witness to it? We witness to it in words and deeds. We witness to it in words by telling people about the victory. We witness to it in deeds by not allowing evil to prevail in our lives. If God has conquered evil, then I should show it in my life. If God has truly conquered evil I should be confident to tell others.
Today’s gospel reading shows us that God has a way of transforming our situation. We see this in the story of how Peter and some of the apostles went fishing but caught nothing throughout the night. At the best hour of fishing they could not catch any fish. Their encounter with the risen Christ changed the story from failure to success, from futility to productivity, from nothing to abundance. Our encounter with the risen Christ should change our vice to virtue, change us from sinners to saints. The presence of the risen Christ in our lives should transform our lives and make our lives flow with abundance of faith, hope, love and goodness.   

HAPPY NEW MONTH! May the New month brings you abundance of goodness and joy, peace and love. Amen. 

It is also good to remind ourselves that May Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary begins today. May she intercede for us always before God the Father to whom she is a daughter,  God the Son to whom she is a mother, and God the Holy Spirit her spouse. Amen. 

Lord Jesus Christ, who rose from the dead to conquer evil, transform our lives and make us flow with abundance of goodness and happiness. Amen   

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke