Bishop William F. Medley confirms a young woman during the Easter Vigil at St. Stephen Cathedral on March 30, 2024. RILEY GREIF | WKC
Source & Summit: Third Sunday of Easter
(The faithful) taking part in the Eucharistic sacrifice, which is the source and summit of the whole Christian life, offer the Divine Victim to God, and themselves along with it.
-The Second Vatican Council fathers in Lumen Gentium, #11
Source & Summit is a feature of The Western Kentucky Catholic online, celebrating the National Eucharistic Revival: Year of Parish Revival. Intended to help Catholics of our parishes to probe the riches of our liturgical year and celebrate the liturgy well, the column will always start with the Bible readings for the Mass of the Day to help us reflect on, and help to “unpack” and expand our experiences at liturgy into the domestic church (the home) and the workplace.
Sunday reflections will be based on the Lord’s Day, the Liturgy, the Eucharist, and, occasionally, community.
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Third Sunday of Easter
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041424.cfm
Acts 3:13—15, 17—19
Psalm 4, 2, 4, 7—9
1 John 2:5—1a
Luke 24:35—48—31
In the Gospel of Luke today, we see the disciples taken aback by Christ’s offering of peace. Luke details the extent to which these disciples were caught off guard by these words, calling them “startled” and “terrified”. As you may recall, one of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit that we are sealed with through Confirmation is Fear of the Lord (sometimes called Wonder and Awe). As Catholics, this is often among the most difficult aspects of our faith to wrap our heads around. How can a Lord we love so dearly be something we should be fearful of? As human beings on this Earth, we are incapable of fully grasping the extent of God’s might and goodness. His Divine Providence over us is truly worthy of Fear of the Lord. “Fear” is the best term our language has for expressing the sheer amazement we are called to have for the limitless love and mercy of our Heavenly Father. Luke also details Christ’s words drawing a comparison to the Old Testament law of Moses. The New Testament portrays the perfect fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecies and covenants. Just as Moses brought God’s law to the people of Israel, Jesus brings us, the new chosen people, the laws of the New Testament. Amid this Easter season, take some time to recognize those times you fail to maintain a sense of Fear of the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through this time as you discern how God is calling you to “fear” Him.
-Spencer Harris
Spencer Harris is a senior at Owensboro Catholic High School in Owensboro.
To learn more about the Diocese of Owensboro’s celebration of the National Eucharistic Revival, visit https://owensborodiocese.org/eucharistic-revival/.
