We too are called, healed and sent

April 6, 2008 -- Third Sunday of Easter

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. To whom have you been sent to proclaim God's good news? 2. What does evangelization mean to you? 3. What areas of your life are in need of further healing?

Fr. Robert E. Barron, a priest of the Archdiocese of Chicago and a professor of theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/Mundelein Seminary, has produced an excellent three-part lecture series entitled "Untold Blessing: Three Paths to Holiness" (DVD retreat). The three presentations deal with "Finding our Center," "Knowing You are a Sinner," and "Your Life is Not About You."

Jesus, our risen Lord, is presented as one who gathers us together, who heals us of our infirmities, and who sends us forth on mission. All of us, through baptism into the life of Christ, are called, healed, and sent. Such is the case in today's reading for this third Sunday of Easter.

Peter: called, healed, sent! It is truly amazing to see the transformation of Simon Peter, the one who betrayed and abandoned his master out of fear and cowardice. Now, in the Acts of the Apostles, we witness a bold disciple who proclaims that Christ is indeed the center of his life and is now exalted at God's right hand. Peter narrates how Jesus was put to death but raised up by the Father. His message was one of resurrection and fullness of life. In Jesus, sin and death have been conquered.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus: called, healed, sent! Another transformation here of two individuals who were despairing but now, in their mysterious encounter with a "fellow pilgrim," were restored to hope and renewed zeal. They responded to the call to be evangelists by hurrying back to Jerusalem to proclaim that Jesus had been raised; they were healed of their depression and lack of faith through Jesus' explanation of the scriptures; they were sent to share the good news of life's victory over death.

We too are called, healed, and sent. Our call is to be an Easter people. This means that we refuse to give way to hopelessness. Because of the Easter event, we can look to the future with confidence and blessed assurance. Death does not have the final word. Even though the "afterlife" is shrouded in mystery, we have been promised the gift of eternal life, a life that magnifies our deepest experiences of love and mercy. Our minds, hearts, and imaginations are too limited to comprehend what God has in store for us. St. Josephine Bakhita said it well when she expressed her faith that we are "awaited by Love."

During the Easter season we continue our healing process. None of us is totally well be it physically, psychologically, or spiritually. We struggle with the unredeemed areas of our minds and hearts. Surely, Peter and the two disciples in today's Gospel were tempted to cowardice and hopelessness even after encountering the risen Lord. Such is life: the never-ending undulations of light and darkness, of hope and discouragement, of love and indifference. Our risen Lord continues to journey with us with His healing balm.

And we are sent! Evangelists are we all. The primary way of witness to the Gospel is through a Christian life of love, forgiveness, and compassion. Sometimes words are also necessary and we are to proclaim God's love and mercy to whomever will listen. But always, we are sent in the power of the Holy Spirit and are accompanied in all we do. Herein is our strength and confidence.

(Bishop Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)