Reflection
When Peter told the Jews that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus whom they had just crucified, they were upset. They were cut to the heart. They had missed it. They hadn’t recognized Him, they had crucified Him, and He was God. What could they do now? How could they fix this situation? It would seem that everything was lost. They didn’t recognize the Lord, and now He was dead and it was too late.
But it is Easter. Jesus is not dead. In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene looks for Him in the grave and He is not there. He has risen and she does recognize Him. Then she runs to tell the others that she has seen the Lord and He is not dead.
It’s Easter, and He is not dead. And it is not too late. Peter tells the Jews to repent and be baptized, and they will share in the Holy Spirit. And they did. It’s not too late. They didn’t recognize the Lord before, but they see now, and it’s not too late!
Here is the best part. It still is not too late. It is never too late. We can repent and share in the Holy Spirit. If I didn’t do everything I wanted to for Lent, I can still finish what I started. My Lenten sacrifice is a little late, but it’s not too late. If wanted to donate to a food pantry, to St. Vincent DePaul (SVDP), to St. Elizabeth Seton and I didn’t get it done during Lent, I can do it now. It’s not too late.
Jesus’ death on the Cross reminds us that it is not too late! Up to the moment of our death, God waits for us to turn to Him. To love Him. To serve Him. It’s not too late. This Easter record numbers of people entered the Church around the world! Praise God! We have a great opportunity to welcome these new members of God’s family and our parish family with open arms and accompany them on their journey.
If I recognize Jesus today, if I realize now that He has risen and He lives in me, I can choose Christ and share in the Holy Spirit today. It’s not too late to turn back and follow Jesus. Love Jesus. Be filled with His presence and His peace.