In today’s reading from the Acts of Apostles, we see Peter proclaiming to Cornelius and his household that Jesus is risen, and has been appointed by God to judge everyone, alive or dead. This same Jesus from Nazareth, anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, who had been doing good, curing sick people and exorcising demons, and who was put to death, is alive, and is of universal significance. All who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven in His name.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul is clear that there are real responsibilities for all who “have been brought back to true life with Christâ€. We who live in the light of the resurrection of Jesus Christ are encouraged to keep our thoughts on heavenly things. What does it mean for us? It means that we are called to be faithful to prayer, remembering the God who made us and saves us and inspires us. It means that we are called to look beyond our own needs and desires to those of our neighbor, wherever we may find him or her. It means we can live as people with hope, because we know that humankind’s oldest and greatest enemy, death, has been conquered by the Lord, and the promise of eternal life has been extended to us. It means that we are people who are called to firgive those who hurt us, because we know that our sins are forgiven by the risen Christ. It means, above all, that we can be people with grateful hearts, knowing all that God has done for us out of love, and seeking in whatever ways we can to express our thanks to God.