They had been with Jesus

 

Our ways of life should show that Christ is our master.

Reflection on Today’s Readings Saturday of Easter Octave, April 6th, 2024
Texts: Acts 4:13-21; Psalm 118:1,14-21; Mark 16:9-15 

The rulers, elders and scribes could see the hand of Jesus in the life of Peter and John. We read, "When the rulers and elders and scribes saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and they recognized that they had been with  Jesus.” Being with Jesus they had grown beyond their status as uneducated and common men. It is high time we lived in such a way that people could see the hand of Jesus in our lives.  

Our ways of life should show that Christ is our master. Hence, Peter writes: “Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1Pet. 4:11). In this way we die to ourselves and live for Christ. That is a kind of resurrection, which means to die with Christ and rise with Him.  

Peter and John teach us fear God, not man

The life of resurrection focuses on God. Those who have risen with Christ are concerned about heavenly things. Peter and John were already risen with Christ and dead to their selves. Hence, they said to the council, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge; for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Life is no longer about them but God. Peter and John teach us fear God, not man. 

The person who saw the risen Christ first was Mary Magdalene from whom Jesus drove out seven demons. She is an example of those who died with Christ and rose with Him. The gospel reading tells us about when the apostles were still themselves, disappointed and confused. They did not believe the truth of resurrection.  Hence, we read, “and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen.” 

Prayer  

O God, who by the abundance of your grace give increase to the peoples who believe in you, look with favour on those you have chosen and clothe with blessed immortality those reborn through the Sacrament of Baptism. Amen  

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke