Unworthy

As I contemplate my vocation, I am increasingly aware of my unworthiness of any call I may receive. This statement, directed to another by a priest friend, I find to be helpful. It is so very true and I feel so very blessed. I try to remember often that I am blessed to be made worthy of anything - through Christ.

The Church concludes the Octave of Easter by inviting us to reflect on St. John's unique account of Easter night. The apostles, who had deserted Jesus on Good Friday, except for John, are locked in a room out of fear that what happened to Jesus will now happen to them. The apostles at this moment had to be profoundly aware of their weakness. The crisis of Good Friday had revealed their weakness and cowardice.

They may well have expected to hear Jesus express his disappointment in them. Instead, at the moment when they are so aware of their weakness, Jesus empowers them to forgive sins.

Jesus has chosen this moment well. It is abundantly clear that the authority and the power to continue Jesus' ministry of mercy are not given to the apostles because of their perfection or moral strength.

This is an important lesson that the Church needs to relearn in every age. Our Christian faith is not about human beings achieving perfection through discipline and self-mastery. The heart of the Gospel of Jesus is the power of the mercy of God to transform the weak and sinful heart.

Amen, Father. Amen.