Liturgy and Worship

‘They Were Cut To The Heart’

In the reading from Acts of the Apostles we hear Peter make this statement

to those gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Peter, filled with the Holy

Spirit is no longer fearful, rather he is proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Christ!

We see the power of the Holy Spirit at work in him and Peter’s statement

resonates with those gathered.

These people realized that their actions caused Jesus to be crucified and to

their credit they accepted their culpability and took the action Peter gave;

be baptized. When we listen to this passage we may think only the people

of that time were guilty of causing Jesus to suffer and die so horribly. But

we would be kidding ourselves if we believe that.

Each of us, because we are sinners, played a part in Jesus’ suffering. He

died for all people of all ages to break the chains of sin and death. His

rising from the dead has given us cause to rejoice; spiritual death can be

avoided! Yes, our physical bodies will pass away, but our souls are

immortal. And because Jesus has opened the gates of Heaven we now are

provided the great opportunity to dwell with Him for eternity! But we must

acknowledge our role in His Passion. Yes, I too caused you to suffer Jesus!

We must abide with Him, living lives set aside for God; holy lives. We still

sin, we fall, yet have such a great sacrament of forgiveness to make us

whole again, confession. So don’t allow the Devil to fill your mind with fear

of confession, rather allow God to welcome you back into union with Him.

And may God bless you.

Deacon Ray