Date: April 16, 2020 ()

Bible Text: First Reading: ACTS 3:11-26; Gospel: LK 24:35-48 |

Series:

Let us live in that joy and peace of being assured that the Lord has saved us from our deepest fears.

Knee replacement here in America can be as ordinary as treating common infirmities. I’m amazed at how this country is blest with excellent medical facilities. In my home country, if one has rheumatoid arthritis, most of our elderly have only to endure the pain for the rest of their lives and suffice themselves with oral medication. Surgery is a big expensive thing. Nevertheless, I still wonder how long will it take for the patient to recover after a knee replacement. Maybe a week or two?

It’s truly amazing to hear today’s miracle story from the first reading. In an instance, the crippled man was healed and immediately walked. Something beyond natural had been happening. Peter and the other disciples could see it by the look of their eyes. And the reason why these had to take place is to make people see the greater miracle - the death of the Messiah and His resurrection after three days.

It is important to see all these supernatural healings, and ultimately this surprising reality of the rising from the dead because we know that what Christ did was life-changing. They change our paradigm - from fear and anxiety to peace and courage; from ignorance to the light of the truth; from denial to total acceptance; from the mere observance of the law to a total love of God and charity to fellowmen; from following what is merely human to obedience to the Divine; from what seems ephemeral and absurd to what is eternal and certain - certainty of purpose.

In today’s time of fear and distress many might ask, is it possible to change our way of seeing things, that is, to still live in peace and go on living a normal life that’s free of too much worrying? The answer is Yes. It is possible when we have the peace of Christ in us. We only have to hear again Jesus tells us: Peace be with you.

Yes, we still have to be careful and do all measures so as not to be contacted with the deadly disease but whatever happens, it is still important to live our lives as meaningful and as happy as having the assurance that with Jesus, we will be okay. How awful it is to live every moment of this beautiful life in fear and paranoia. It’s absolutely defeating life’s purpose. Let us live the joy and peace of being assured that the Lord has saved us from our deepest fears.