Still today, after years and years of learning and reflection collectively and individually, Jesus still reveals Himself in new ways to provide hope and meaning amidst chaos and confusion. Jesuit spirituality stresses the new insights that come from entering into these stories through our imagination. If we spend time with the story in Acts we may find ourselves “cut to the heart” in some new way. We may see how we’ve been going with the crowd or staying in our comfort zone and need to repent. We may feel empty in this post-Easter weekday and need to hear Jesus calling our name and be assured again that He is always with us. The verses in Acts and in John both remind us that Jesus reveals Himself and the Father through our sharing of our experiences with one another also. The crowds were cut to the heart because Peter shared the message revealed to him about who Jesus was. Jesus specifically instructs Mary Magdalene to go and tell the others what she has seen. In the body of Christ graces from new insights are meant to be shared. Consider how often a new insight comes from hearing or reading about reflections that others have shared. We see the goodness of the Lord and His love for us as we see how He keeps revealing Himself to us and calling us to encourage and challenge one another. Someone “waiting on the Lord” may be waiting now for hope or justice through words or actions of a transformed person who has just seen the Risen Lord. Who is Jesus to us today? How does our transformation and gratitude move us to action? |