The Transforming Power of the Resurrection

“What are we to do, my brothers?” Peter said to them. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call.” Acts of the Apostles 2: 37b-39.

We, as the body of Christ, are not always obedient or faithful in our relationship with our Lord, particularly when we are walking along a path that brings us tests, challenges, and lessons. My dear 90-year young Gram Jo, who serves as a community spiritual mentor, says this is “our cross and part of answering the call as true believers.” Being tested, challenged, and learning is connected to our livelihood as the body of Christ. We just need to trust that Our Father will always hold us in these periods.Through humility, he begets us to repentance, healing and change.

“She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni,’ which means Teacher. Jesus said to her, ‘Stop holding on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and tell them,‘I am going to my Father and your Father,  to my God and your God.’” John 20: 16b-17

I am humbled by John 20:11-18. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene first. Every day our Catholic Charities network collectively supports the gift of new life for people and communities, bringing to light the blessing to be besieged in the essence of grace that can only be through Our Lord, Our God.

I am inspired by our Catholic Charities network: parish social ministers, community organizers, educators, social workers, youth, elderly, and others who minister daily for and in partnership with others in collective visioning--ensuring that all people can engage meaningfully and gain the tools needed to build and live with dignity in a just and sustainable world. 

The promise of the Resurrection is transformative. Through healing and change, we are strengthened by our witness and are able to see the face of Jesus in the people we serve and support.

Written by Christina Baldera
Training Manager, Parish Social Ministry; Catholic Charities USA

Are you ready to throw stones?

Both Jeremiah and Jesus experienced scrutiny of their every word and deed. Jeremiah was ridiculed and beaten for his prophecy of doom and destruction. Jesus’ countrymen picked up rocks to stone him (Jeremiah 20: 10-13; John 10: 31-42). They claimed their actions were a response to blasphemy – that Jesus, a mere human, claimed to be the Son of God. Jesus encouraged them to believe him not because of his claim to be the Son of God but because of his good works done in the name of his Father.

Like the Jews in Jeremiah’s and Jesus’ time, do we ever find ourselves ready to “cast stones” based on our harsh judgments of other peoples’ motives? Though there may be 99 good reasons for the word or deed of another, we may all too readily ascribe the one evil intention. We may not say something aloud but simply cast a withering glance. I remember a lesson from my youth when my aspirant directress told me: “If looks could kill, the person you are looking at would be dead.” That is what you might call “an evil eye.”

At times, like Jeremiah and Jesus, we may receive harsh judgments from others. When giving “handouts” in charity we may be criticized for not giving a “hand up.” (Mother Teresa of Calcutta suffered such an indictment.) When working diligently to change unjust systems we may be chastised for not instead fulfilling the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. How do we respond to such criticism? Do we, like Jeremiah, complain to God about our suffering? Or do we, like Jesus, leave for a quiet and holy place where we can center ourselves and consider who we are before God – God’s Beloved.

Written by Sr. Sally Ann Brickner

 

Just Love Each Other

Large, captivated crowds. People hanging on his every word – some in awe and some in anger. Rowdy children laughing, playing, complaining to mom they are bored or hungry or both. Hopeful parents pressing through the crowd desiring for this man to touch and bless their squirming child. Meanwhile the disgruntled followers of this up-and-coming leader are shooing the kids away in annoyance. But then…

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children."

The Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children. This should excite us! What are the children like?

Well, children naturally trust people and accept differences in others. Children are teachable and eager to learn – and they are amazingly quick to forgive. But one of the most endearing and fun attributes of a child is their tendency to take things literally.

Take, for example, this workbook page completed by a precious 3-year-old. This little one knows how to cut-to-the-chase and not spend valuable time messing around with bothersome details. She listens to instructions – and does exactly what she is told.

It makes so much sense, doesn't it? This small child points us to the biblical picture of a sweet lamb following its Shepherd. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. (John 10)

Now if only we were quick to follow the clear and literal instructions of our Shepherd instead of trying to cut corners or veer off in the wrong direction – leading to a dead end.

Jesus literally means it when he says:

Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. - John 13

If we take it literally when our Shepherd says "love each other," the rest of the details will fall into place. As children who belong to his Kingdom, let’s keep striving to follow his clear and literal instructions. Love each other. We can't go wrong with that.