April 14 2024 —
A platitude is a statement aimed at helping soothe some sort of emotional unease. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Or “Life is a mystery.” Or “Good things come to those who wait.” While platitudes may be well-intentioned, at best they come off as trite. And since platitudes provide no real help, they can actually make a situation worse. Tell the one whose heart is shattering, “Life is a mystery.” They won’t appreciate your platitude or you.
The resurrection gives believers the ability to offer more than platitudes. We have a meaningful message to share—of repentance, of forgiveness, of peace, of power. The reality is we have something important to say to every single person that God brings into our sphere of influence.
And our risen Savior gives us the courage and power to share that meaningful message.
Our Readings:
Acts 3:11-20 – Peter healed a crippled beggar, drawing a large crowd. Peter used that opportunity to share a meaningful message about the one the people of Jerusalem asked Pilate to crucify.
1 John 1:5–2:2 – St. John summarizes the meaningful message we have heard and been called to declare: God is light.
Luke 24:36-49 – The risen Savior gives us peace. He also gives us a mission. We are to share the message of repentance and forgiveness.