Acts 4:12
"There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved"
Fourth Sunday of Easter Readings: Acts, 1 John, John
Reflection:
There is something scandalous in the readings of today’s Mass – Skandalon (from the Greek σκανδαλον) meaning a stumbling block or an offense. Particularly in today’s climate of “tolerance” and indifferentism, to make such a bold claim as Peter made when he said, “There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved,” is seen as arrogant and exclusive. It is exclusive – a claim that Jesus has something precious and unique to offer. Jesus Himself told His Apostles, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6.
Other world religions do not have the understanding of salvation that Christ revealed to us. They reject the notion of “divine filiation,” or becoming sons and daughters of God. That is also a scandal to other world religions.
In 1 John 3:1, we hear these words, “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are.”
These passages of Sacred Scripture reveal to us God’s desire for a communion of life and love with His creatures. Our God Jesus went to His death to make this happen. His Resurrection, which we celebrate in a glorious way during these fifty days of the Easter season, conquered death and gives us hope – hope that we will share His life eternally if we live for Him, and receive Baptism and the Holy Spirit. After that, we must go into the world and proclaim this Truth to everyone.
Reflection Questions
- Reflect on the concept of “divine filiation” and how it shapes our identity as children of God. How does this belief influence your relationship with God and others?
- How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ give us hope for eternal life? How can we share this hope with others in our daily lives?