The Easter Season is dominated by the mystery of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He ascends into heaven and we no longer see him physically, but in signs. His Spirit causes his church to spread.

A cursory reading of the Acts of the Apostles may give the impression that the church spreads like wild fire. “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, a careful reading the Acts reveals confusion, division, uncertainty in this church. In Antioch in Pisidia Paul remarks “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships
to enter the kingdom of God.”( Acts 14) The church then was more like our own church today than we suspect. The church grows only through the mystery of the passion and resurrection of Jesus.

The recent election of Pope Leo XIV seems to me to be a surprising promise of resurrection.

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.”

The face of the Risen Christ is always a surprise.

“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.”