Peter asks why the people are surprised that the man crippled from birth was healed in Jesus’ name. He reminded them that they refused to accept that Pilate found Jesus innocent, that they chose a murderer over Jesus, and that Jesus who they crucified rose and gained eternal life for them. That Jesus rose not to condemn them, or reclaim the temple, or free Jerusalem from Roman rule. Jesus simply carried out his Father’s will to conquer death and evil, so all mankind can be free.
St. John, in his letter, reminds us that we need to have that same kind of faith, believing that Jesus conquered sin and its consequences by his suffering, death, and resurrection. The empty cross and tomb remind us of the price Jesus paid, and the victory he won for us.
That price is beyond our comprehension, but we ought to ask ourselves: what is our Christian faith worth? What price are we willing to pay so that our faith will grow and deepen and that we can truly be “resurrection people”?
Sister Rose Marie O’Barski, CSFN
