Thursday of the Second Week of Easter April 7, 2005 Scripture: Acts 5:27-33; John 3:31-36 Reflection: Can you imagine what your family, your neighborhood, your workplace or your local church would be like if it were filled with the Gospel vision of repentance and forgiveness? This image of a place so filled with reconciliation seems like a dream at best. Are our hearts bold enough to be filled with the same enthusiasm, faith and fire of the first disciples after the resurrection? Have we grasped fully the teachings of repentance and forgiveness, the Gospel vision of peace and justice, or the resurrection spirit? According to Henri Nouwen, my deepest vocation is to be a witness to the glimpses of God that I have been allowed to catch. We are called to bear witness each day to what we have seen and heard in our own hearts, what we have experienced of God’s love and mercy. We, who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit without reserve, are invited each day to be bearers of reconciliation. Each day we are invited to care for one another with words of encouragement, a listening ear, an understanding heart, a visit to the sick, a card to the lonely or a telephone call to the troubled. If not us, who? If not here, where? If not now, when? If not the kingdom, why? Suggested Action: Begin today to be filled with the resurrection spirit by taking a small step to create the Gospel dream by daring to bear witness for reconciliation – extend forgiveness, reach out to the poor, share your faith, or read about another religion or culture. Sr. Ruth Harkins, IHM Scranton, Pennsylvania

Graphic: Sr. Cecilia Yeon Tji, IHM