TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

“Make us responsible for that Man’s blood.” –Acts 5:28

Mass Readings: April 27
First: Acts 5:27-33; Resp: Psalm 34:2,9,17-20; Gospel: John 3:31-36

Listen to the Mass Readings

The high priest accused the apostles of being determined to make the religious leaders “responsible for that Man’s blood.” However, most of the religious leaders refused to take responsibility for Jesus’ execution. Otherwise, they would not have called Jesus “that Man” but “the Savior of the world.” The apostles were determined to make responsible for Jesus’ blood not only the religious leaders but everyone, including themselves and us. They said that God told them to do this, and they obeyed Him (Acts 5:29).

Will you admit that you are personally responsible for Jesus’ brutal death on the cross? You may say you are innocent because you were not living when Jesus was killed. However, Jesus’ death transcends time. Everyone who has ever sinned is responsible for the God-Man’s blood. In the Roman Catechism after the Council of Trent, the Church taught: “We must regard as guilty all those who continue to relapse into their sins. Since our sins made the Lord Christ suffer the torment of the cross, those who plunge themselves into disorders and crimes crucify the Son of God anew in their hearts (for He is in them) and hold Him up to contempt” (quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, 598). St. Francis of Assisi taught: “Nor did demons crucify Him; it is you who have crucified Him and crucify Him still, when you delight in your vices and sins” (both quoted in the Catechism, 598; see also Heb 6:6).

Admit your responsibility for the death of Jesus. Repent and receive the love and mercy of the risen Christ.

PRAYER: Father, may Your Son’s blood on my hands cleanse my heart.
PROMISE: “He does not ration His gift of the Spirit.” –Jn 3:34
PRAISE: Frank continued to frequent the Sacrament of Confession even after Lent was over.