During the days after Easter the first reading is taken not from an Old Testament book or from one of the epistles as is customary but from the Acts of the Apostles. The Church is teaching us in arranging the lectionary in this way that the Resurrection of Jesus was not meant for him alone. The meaning of the Resurrection can only be understood in the impact in had in the life of his followers. The same is true today. Our faith does not come alive merely in admiration of how God raised Jesus from the dead. Rather, we are called to imitate the Lord by being “Easter people.” We are to live in hope and in joy because of our confidence in God’s grace.
