In the post-Resurrection accounts in the Bible, we are reminded that Jerusalem was recognized as the place where the sacred tradition of Moses was preserved. That tradition was zealously defended by the central governing body of Judaism. Yet, Jerusalem, its leaders, and a great many of its inhabitants violently rejected Jesus and His first disciples. Supposedly “sophisticated Jerusalem,” with its religious schools and centuries-old traditions, never gave Jesus or His disciples a fair hearing.
The New Testament’s Acts of the Apostles reminds us that believing in the Gospel is more than just an intellectual assent to religious doctrine. Many to whom the Apostles first preached had a simplicity about them that made them open to new possibilities, well beyond what was the longstanding tradition. Because they were not afraid of saying “Yes” to something new, the flower of faith bloomed among them. St. Teresa of Avila said: “The Bread of Life is most readily received by the humble of heart.”
The Easter season celebrates the faithfulness of God to His Son Jesus, and the faithfulness of Jesus to all of us. Jesus’ faithfulness encourages us to be truly humble and to keep turning back to Him with our whole heart, mind, and soul. Even when we fall or stumble, Jesus offers Himself to us as the Bread of Life – so that we might be fed, healed, encouraged, and (one day) raised up to eternal life. Can we adopt a simplicity in life that allows us to be open to new possibilities? How can we not?
Let us pray. “Thank you, Lord, for new beginnings and for your tender care for us. We trust that your peace will watch over us as we step into each new day. Help us to rely on the riches of your love and grace to provide for us now and always needs. In your name we pray. Amen.”
