The readings continue to celebrate the Lord’s resurrection. In surrender, as we open ourselves, he enters and ministers to us. Through him, we can change the world. In the first reading, we see Peter and John being arrested and questioned. The minds of the Sanhedrin were closed and filled with darkness, while Peter and John, filled with the Spirit, spoke out boldly, countering their accusations. Peter refused to be daunted despite the peril at hand. His preaching, with eloquence, converted over 5,000 people. In the Gospel, the risen Christ appears with love that is unconditional: caring for his sheep tenderly, providing food, preparing a meal for them, and launching them on an apostolic mission: “Feed my sheep.” His compassion and love for an aching world are evident. His message of love is what we have to embrace and live. “Christ’s resurrection is the ultimate source of hope, defeating sin and death” (St. John Paul II). Let us be an “Easter People”: a people of hope.

Abba Father, may we proclaim your message of love through our lives. Amen.