Repent Therefore, And Turn Again

 

It is by resurrection that Jesus Christ lives forever.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year B, April 14th, 2024
Texts: Acts 3:13-15.17-19; Psalm 4:2,4,7,9; 1 John 2:1-5; Luke 24:35-48 

We reflect, today,  on the connection between resurrection and repentance. St. Peter, in today’s first reading, says, “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.” How is resurrection connected with repentance? This is because it is by resurrection that Jesus Christ lives forever. He continues to intercede for us because He lives forever.  

Living forever His intercession for forgiveness of sins does not fail. Hence, St. John says, “My little children, I am writing this to you so that you may not sin; but if any one does sin, we have an advocate with the Father,  Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the expiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” His expiation for sins is forever because He lives forever.  

Jesus' atonement for sins is a living one

Resurrection provides for us sure foundation to ask for forgiveness of sins when we sin. We know that He will forgive us our sins if we repent, because He lives forever. Jesus’ atonement for sins becomes a living one because of resurrection. It is a living atonement because it is not limited to the past; it is always effective. If Jesus Christ had not died His atonement for sins would have been limited to the past. 

Resurrection also provides assurance that God will answer us if we call on Him. It gives us the confidence to call on Him for help. Having risen from the dead we know that that He is alive to show us mercy. Hence, today’s Psalm says, “I called, the God of justice gave me answer; from anguish you released me, have mercy and hear me! Know that the  Lord works wonders for his faithful one; the  Lord will hear me whenever call him.” 

We are to keep His commandments

St. John, in today’s second reading, reminds us that keeping His commandments is evidence of knowledge of Christ. He says, “And by this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says "I know him" but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected.” If we know that Christ suffered, died and rose from the dead, we will keep His commandments.  

St. Peter, in today’s first readings, emphasises witnessing as necessary part of faith in resurrection. He says, “But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” We are witnesses of His suffering, death and resurrection because we know they are facts. He who knows that Christ suffered, died and rose from the dead keeps His commandments.  

If I do not keep the commandments of God my faith in resurrection is fake and fruitless. Hence, today, we are called to keep the commandments of God. Keeping His commandments makes our faith in resurrection meaningful and fruitful.  

Prayer  

May your people exult for ever, O God, in renewed youthfulness of spirit, so that, rejoicing now in the restored glory of our adoption, we may look forward in confident hope to the rejoicing of the day of resurrection. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke