Understanding the Word

By Dianne Bergant, C.S.A.

Peter’s speech today proclaiming Jesus as Lord and Messiah follows the pattern of early missionary preaching: announcement of the arrival of the age of  fulfillment; summary of events in the ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus;  recourse to the Old Testament showing Jesus as fulfillment of the promises. Only  the call to repentance is absent. It is clear from the text that Peter is speaking to  a Jewish community. This should be remembered lest we understand his accusation as anti-Judaic. This speech also proclaims Jesus’ resurrection and ascension  and the descent of the Spirit. Finally, it provides us with an early statement about  the inner workings of the Trinity. 

The author of 1 Peter speaks of the cost of salvation and the responsibilities  that accompany it. He reminds the audience that calling God “father” is comparable to asking God to act as disciplinarian. This presents a picture different from  that of a tender parent. It points to our obligation to live the new life in Christ  with integrity. The author insists that the death and resurrection of Christ have  ransomed believers from the futile manner of living they inherited from their  ancestors, patterns of living into which they had been socialized. Christians must  now live differently. 

The disciples on the road to Emmaus are probably returning from the celebration of Passover, and they doubtless assume that the unrecognized Jesus is on  the road for the same reason. Although Cleopas’ companion is not named, several clues suggest it is his wife. As Jesus shows how the scriptures point to him,  the hearts of the disciples burn within them. Their religious tradition is being  interpreted in an exciting new way. Finally, it is in the breaking of the bread that  their eyes are opened, and they recognize him. The account underscores several  important issues: glory comes by way of suffering; remembering the tradition is  not enough—in new situations it must be reinterpreted; and we come to know  Christ in the breaking of the bread. 

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