This is Cardinal Francis George. I invite you to join me for the next two minutes to reflect

with Father Robert Barron on the Word of God, which is the Word on Fire. Word on Fire Catholic

Ministries is a non-profit ministry at the forefront of Catholic evangelization, using

new media to spread the faith and every continent. Father Barron challenges us to open our hearts

to the Word on Fire, which is God's Word of Love for each of us. If our hearts are open,

the Lord can change and transform us so that we might speak with love about the one who

is love. The global benefactors of Word on Fire with the support of the Archdiocese of

Chicago now present Word on Fire. Peace be with you. Friends, there's a theme that runs

through all three of our readings for today. A theme that I commented upon briefly last week.

A theme that is of central significance for all of us in the church. I'm talking about the

link between the resurrection of Jesus and the forgiveness of sins. Paul said, if Christ has not

been raised, you're still in your sins. Jesus sends the church unmission for the forgiveness of

sins. What is it about the resurrection and the forgiveness of sins? Well, let's take it

step at a time. First, the resurrection. In our first reading, we hear that St. Peter stands up

in the Jerusalem temple and delivers a magnificent sermon. In fact, a sermon, I would say a model for

any preacher today, in admirably clear language, he reminds the people of their sin. Listen,

God has glorified his servant, Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in Pilate's presence.

You denied the holy and righteous one and asked that a murderer be released to you.

The author of life, you put to death. Now, can I suggest you that is not a man who is pulling

punches. That is not a preacher who is tickling the ears of his audience, telling them what they want

to hear, complimenting them on their virtue. No, this is a man who is risking a riot.

The one thing people don't want to hear, I don't care who they are, I don't care what their

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