Thursday of the Second Week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 5:27-33
Psalm 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20
John 3:31-36

The readings today speak to me of testimony to the authenticity of the resurrected Jesus and our response to this testimony. Until I looked up the context of the Gospel reading, I did not realize that it was John the Baptist speaking and not Jesus Himself. John's disciples are discussing this new prophet, Jesus, who teaches and acts with authority. John reiterates that he himself is not the Messiah, rather he is the Savior's messenger and that the Messiah will speak of what is above. The Messiah will speak the "Word of God" and will not "ration His Spirit". John echoes the prophecy of Isaiah that the authorities will not believe the suffering servant. John completes his testimony with the statement that salvation will only come to those who believe in the Son of God who is this Jesus.

In the reading from the Acts of the Apostles we also have direct testimony from those who knew Jesus both before and after his Ressurection. His apostles, inspired by the Holy Spirit, testify to an agry Sanhedrin, the very authorities who have had them arrested and handed over Jesus for crucifixion. They witness that Jesus who was "hanged upon a tree" is risen and has been exalted by the Father as Israel's leader and savior.

This witness is ours today through Scripture. We have the direct testimony of John and the Apostles, men who ate, walked, spoke with, and were companions of Jesus. Jesus has really died for our sins on the cross and has risen from the dead to lead us to eternal life. It is all true! We have only to believe and respond to the words of those who were there and speak to us down through the centuries. Indescribable joy should fill all of us at the expectation of the life that awaits us united with our heavenly Father. Alleluia.

Joe Grau