My life is blessed with loving family members, many friends, and interesting colleagues. Sadly, though, almost every day I hear someone share how overwhelmed they feel in these tumultuous times. There is a sense of hopelessness and despair that is hard for me to grapple with, as I am a perpetually positive person. I find myself turning to history to try to make sense of things, and I appreciate this quote from the historian David McCullough “History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are and why we are the way we are.”
Pope Leo’s Easter homily Easter Homily of Pope Leo had many words of wisdom that helped me name the impact of our feeling threatened and overwhelmed. Pope Leo names the many threats we are collectively experiencing. Internal threats such resentments, worries, and loneliness. And the many external threats we are witnessing (and sadly at times perpetuating), including violence, injustices, partisan selfishness, and the idolatry of profit.
Pope Leo does not leave us to suffer in our despair but reminds us that “in every death we experience, there is room for new life to arise.” “Easter is the new creation brought about by the Risen Lord; it is a new beginning.”
This Easter Season is a call to commit to a new beginning. A wonderful way to pray for the grace for that new beginning is through scripture. In today’s readings, we find many lessons to guide us in our new beginning.
In the first reading from Acts of the Apostles, Peter is being confronted by the Apostles and brothers who are expressing disapproval of his spending time with the Gentiles. We see many themes that are present in today’s society such as the distrust of others, lack of willingness to understand, and attempting to protect our own beliefs through fear. Peter patiently shares his experiences with the Apostles and brothers with care and compassion as he addresses their resistance. He is true to his own faith and allows God to broaden his perspective about who should be sharing this faith. Peter heard guidance from God and the Holy Spirit in these words: “What God has made clean, you are not to call profane” and to accompany the men “without discrimination.”
Seeing the Holy Spirit come upon the Gentiles, Peter remembers the words of Jesus: “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” The Apostles and brothers stop objecting and start accepting the others when they hear Peter teach: If God gave them the same gift he gave to us, who was I to be able to hinder God?”
It is inspiring to learn that Peter and the Apostles see others also as believers of Jesus. When I view others as a threat to me or those I care about, it is difficult for me to switch my lens to one of care and compassion. Yet I, like Peter, do not believe I am able to hinder God. Putting my trust in God, helps me be more open minded and compassionate even in the most threatening times. Seeing others with compassion does not mean I need to accept or endorse terrible words or behaviors.
In today’s Gospel from John, Jesus reminds us he is the good shepherd who chooses to lay down his life for his sheep. I hear a call to action in his words as he reminds us that we can choose to follow his example by reaching out to those who might not belong in the fold, hoping they hear his voice. The image of Jesus as the shepherd is the opposite of the individualism that is a force in our society and of the transactional nature of many “hired man” relationships.
In this Easter Season, let us be inspired for a new beginning by the words of Pope Leo:
Death opens us up to a hope that never fails, to a light that never fades, to a fullness of joy that nothing can take away: death has been conquered forever; death no longer has power over us!
Mary Lee Brock
Here at Creighton University, I serve as the Director of the Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (NCR) program and as an Assistant Professor in the Heider College of Business. The mission of the NCR program is to prepare agents of social change to engage and resolve conflict effectively, efficiently and humanely. As a conflict engagement educator, facilitator and conflict coach, I encourage individuals and groups to develop conflict competency essential to personal, professional and community growth.
Being in community with others is where my faith grows and where I am encouraged to love and serve others. My life is blessed with a loving family, loyal friends and the occasional rough patch to keep it real. The online ministry community is rich, far flung faith sharing community of which I am honored to be a member.
