In the scripture of today’s Mass we hear from two of Jesus’ closest friends – Peter (Acts 3:13-19) and John (1 John 2:1-5). As we listen to what these great Saints have to say, we realize the depth of their faith in the risen Christ, a faith that compels them to preach the good news.
And what is this good news?
For Peter and John the good news that must be shared is that God’s plan of salvation has been fulfilled through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The good news is that Jesus has achieved redemption for the entire world, and that this redemption is offered to anyone who turns to God with a repentant spirit. The good news is that Jesus saves us from ourselves and from our sinful ways.
Indeed, in today’s gospel we hear Jesus himself tell his friends that this good news – “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” – must be preached to the entire world (Luke 24:35-48). And this commissioning applies to all of Jesus’ friends, each and every one of us. Jesus calls all of us to evangelize – to preach his good news, and to communicate the great love that God has for everyone. Jesus asks us to do this by bearing witness to him – by modelling our lives after his and imitating him. Jesus asks us to embrace his way of life – one of humility, selflessness, obedience, compassion, mercy, forgiveness, and love – and make it our own. In this way we can be Christ for others as we extend love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness to all those we encounter.
So we continue onward with gratitude for the redemption that Jesus won for us, with joy in knowing how much God loves us, and with great hope for the future. We go forward in imitation of Christ looking to share this gratitude, joy, and hope with others.