MONDAY APRIL 1, 2024
MONDAY OF EASTER OCTAVE B
Act 2:14. 22-33
Matthew 28:8-15
OBSTINACY BEFORE THE TRUTH AND REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION EVENT
Living in denial has always been a very false and evil way of cheating on oneself. This was the experience of the Pharisees and the leaders of the people before the event of the resurrection. Admitting the person of Jesus as the messiah has been a difficult thing for them even in the face of the obvious miracles and even now the resurrection event.
They developed a very obstinate mind and blanked their mind from accepting the fact of the resurrection and the person of Jesus. They even added to their incredulity the lies they continued to wallow in, that the body of Jesus was stolen when the guards and the soldiers guarding the tomb were sleeping. It is so ironical that such weak and unbelievably lies made a whole sense to them than just admitting the fact of the resurrection.
The words of Saint Peter in the first reading were scarcely able to convince them either. That Peter an untutored fisherman set out to teach the people and indeed the scribes and the Pharisees the words of the salvation which would have been the prerogative and exclusive reserves of the Pharisees and the scribes as religious people. But that was not the case for the fact that they had lost it. They had a hardened heart, they had relegated their duty and became liars and self seeking. They have turned themselves into mini gods and taken the place of judges and arbitrators instead of servants and disciples.
Their pride had swallowed them and their minds have been polluted and they have overblown their importance to the detriment of their lives and mission. So they peddle lies upon lies and live in denial and self deception.
Yet the truth continues to shine. Jesus is recognized by the people who believe and trust in his power. The disciples of Jesus continues to glory, to rejoice and to proclaim that he is alive because Jesus is risen and continues to testify about his divine powers and authority. The appearances and miracles continue to demonstrate to the people that salvation has come, that God is on his throne and that lies and falsehood has been defeated by truth and glory.
As Jesus shows himself to the disciples and they touched him and are convinced, it teaches us that openness to truth and sincerity are ways to attain spiritual growth, wisdom and knowledge of God. And truth can only be accepted when man is humble and faithful to the facts and live in total trust in God and never in self.
Heavenly Father teach us each day to live in truth and love and never in falsehood and lies. Melt our stubborn and obstinate hearts and Grant that we may delight in knowing and living out the truth. Bless this new month of April for us and grant us good health, peace of mind, prosperity and divine protection through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
