Creator, redeemer and sanctifier

May 4, 2003 -- Third Sunday of Easter

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. How do you witness to your Christian life? 2. Why does the truth set us free? 3. What is your experience of confession -- be it of sin or faith?

In this joyful Easter season it might seem strange that all three of today's readings make direct reference to sin. One would think that such an emphasis would be reserved to a penitential season, not presented so forcefully in this glorious season of Easter.

And yet is not our joy and glory due to the mercy of God? In Jesus our sins are forgiven and death is overcome. The chains that held us in bondage have been broken and we are set free. There is much cause for rejoicing here; much cause to give witness to one's encounter with Jesus.

Today's Gospel concludes: "You are witnesses of this." The disciples experienced the risen Lord and the great gift of peace. That peace flowed from the remission of sin. The disciples knew personal sin: betrayal, cowardice, lack of faith. But now they came to understand the law and the prophets; they came to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. Not only were their minds open but their hearts caught on fire. In Jesus' name they would go forth to be evangelists.

Peter witnesses to the workings of grace in the Acts of the Apostles. His message is direct and clear: "Reform your lives! Turn to God, that your sins may be wiped out." Peter is speaking from personal experience. His denial of the Lord weighed heavily on his soul. Though Peter accused others of handing Jesus over and disowning the Just One, he himself was not guiltless. But now, forgiven and free, he put on his witness garments and testified to Jesus as the suffering Messiah. Peter reformed his life. Rather, when Jesus "let his face shine" on Peter across the night fire, peace and reconciliation were experienced. Peter knew Jesus as friend and redeemer.

John's witness comes in the form of a letter. His theme is also that of sin: sin is not keeping the commandments. But hope is at hand in that Jesus offered himself for our sins. John testifies that Jesus continues to intercede for us. Our task, in grace, is to keep God's word and thereby live in truth and love. John writes all this to keep us from sin.

Each of us, through baptism and confirmation, are called to be witnesses of what God has done and is doing for us. We have all sinned. Some of us have not kept our commitments, struggled with greed or lust, or injured others "in what we have done or in what we have failed to do." In the center of all this, forgiveness is offered. Jesus wants us to be at peace. If we are open to this reconciliation and receive it in gratitude, our next step is to witness to that grace by living out Gospel values. The mission of the Church, the people of God, is evangelization. As one confirmation student put it: "I want everyone to know who God is." Our God is creator, redeemer, and sanctifier. We are made to his image and likeness.

St. Augustine (350-430) wrote one of the great autobiographies of all times. In his Confessions, Augustine freely shared his struggle with sin. He shared how God's peace came to him through the mystery of Jesus. His autobiography has been read by millions of people, transforming many lives. In the end, it is more a confession of faith than it is of sin. His work has become a gift of peace for many.

(Bp. Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Green Bay.)