To Be Continued

Homily for Easter Thursday

Both of the readings from yesterday’s liturgy could have ended with the words: “to be continued,” for today’s readings are indeed continuations of both of those stories. Saint Luke, the author of both the Gospel named for him and the Acts of the Apostles, continues both stories by presenting us with declarations from Peter and Jesus himself.

Peter begins by accusing the members of his audience of being guilty of Jesus’s death. He softens his accusation by telling them that he understands that they did so in ignorance. As he continues, he proclaims the basic faith message of Christianity; namely, that Jesus the Christ died for the sins of humankind and has redeemed us all. Theologians and Scripture scholars referred to this proclamation as “kerygma,” literally, the Good News. In effect, this proclamation sums up our faith.

Jesus makes the same proclamation. However, before he makes that proclamation, he shows the wounds of the crucifixion to the apostles and disciples gathered in the Upper Room. Only the Gospel of Saint Luke and the Gospel of St. John speak of the wounds of Jesus visible on his glorified body. One would think that the wounds that were inflicted upon his body during the crucifixion would be erased after the resurrection. However, the fact that they are still visible speaks to a very human truth; namely, we are all wounded and scarred. It would be difficult if not impossible to go through life without acquiring some wounds and scars. We all bear both physical and mental scars that result from the very human difficulties we all face. So the fact that Jesus’ wounds are still visible stands as a reminder that Jesus was truly human as well as divine. We can take heart by the fact that Jesus was also wounded in this life, for it means that he understands our lives completely and will always be there to bind up our wounds.