In the Easter Season we recall the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, his ascension into heaven, his presence among us in signs, his Spirit sent to us. We also see the mystery of the resurrection in his body, the church.

We can get the impression from a cursory reading of the Acts of the Apostles that from the beginning the church spread like wild fire. In today’s reading, for example, “The word of God continued to spread and grow.” (Acts 12,24) Leaving the church at Antioch, fearless missionaries like Paul and Barnabas, blessed by the Holy Spirit, set out for other towns and places and brought the gospel to the gentiles. 

It seems like a lively church, confident, joyful, united, focused on saving the world, with no doubts or questions. “O God, let all the nations praise you,” our psalm for today says. Yet, if we read Acts of the Apostles carefully, we can find confusion, division, uncertainty in this church. It may be more like our own church today than we suspect. The church always shares in the mystery of the passion and resurrection of Jesus.

We may look at our church today, at least in the western world, and see only signs of decline, not growth. It’s older, not young, and right now tarnished with scandal. What is important is not to lose the promise of resurrection.

In today’s psalm we pray:

“May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.”

We need to turn to the surprising face of the Risen Christ.

“Merciful God, Word come into a dark world, 

remember us and bless us.

 Jesus Christ, son of Mary, turn your face towards us and enlighten us. 

 You came into the world as light, so that we might not remain in our darkness. 

Now turn your face and shine on us,

so that we may make your way known upon earth, among all nations.”