It's not too late

 

When Peter told the Jews that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus whom they had just crucified, they were upset.  They were cut to the heart.  They had missed it.  They hadn’t recognized him, they had crucified him, and he was God.  What could they do now?  How could they fix this situation?  It would seem that everything was lost.  They didn’t recognize the Lord, and now he was dead, and it was too late. (Acts 2:36-41)

But it’s Easter. He’s not dead.  In John’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene looks for him in the grave and He’s not there.  He’s risen!  She recognizes Him and tells the others that she’s seen the Lord and He’s not dead. (John 20:11-18)

It’s Easter, and He’s not dead.  And it’s not too late.  Peter tells the Jews to repent and be baptized and they can share in the Holy Spirit.  And they did.  It’s not too late.  They didn’t recognize the Lord before, but they see now, and it’s not too late.

This is the best part.  It’s not too late.  It’s never too late.  We can repent and share in the Holy Spirit.  I didn’t really do everything I wanted to for Lent.  I wanted to spend more time in prayer, but “life” got in the way.  But it’s not too late.  I can take more time this week and pray a little more.  My Lenten sacrifice is a little late, but it’s not too late.  

There have been times (too many!) when I have been presented with an opportunity to make a difference in a stranger’s life; whether by donating money, clothing, food, or just conversation, but I failed to do so.  But it’s not too late.  The Holy Spirit presents me with countless opportunities to make up for my previous lapses in compassion, and I’ve been able to perform many corporal acts of mercy.  It’s not too late.

It’s not too late.  If we recognize Jesus now, if we realize now that He has risen and He lives in us, we can repent now.  We can do what we need to, and we can share in the Holy Spirit.  It’s not too late.