How many times do we ask for Barrabus to be released in our lives? How many times do we not choose Jesus? The beauty of Christian faith is such that we are to participate actively and choose actively. God freely offers us the gift of forgiveness, this we know because of the wonderful gift he bestowed on us in his son. God has said yes to us, it is a matter of us saying yes to God.

However, actually doing it, saying yes to God, is a task that lasts a lifetime. Day in and day out we are presented with opportunities to say yes to God and to recognize God’s presence within our lives. To me, this is the fundamental message of today’s readings and the fundamental purpose of discipleship. We know not how Christ will appear when he comes again, just as the disciples were unaware of how the resurrection would be. Thus, these readings today are a reminder to live out the Jesuit value of “Finding God in all things,” and Christ in the face of the other. Only in doing this will we be able to heal our broken communities and broken world.