Warning: (Image of Grim reaper @ 4:47 to depict death.)
First Reading: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
In today's first reading Peter recounts to the people what they have done to Jesus; handing him over and putting him to death. But even with this, Peter is telling them that they still have an opportunity to repent (turn away from sin) and be converted and their sins will be wiped away.
Jesus is always reminding us to turn away from our sinful ways and become a new life in Christ. This is what resurrection is about.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
Lord, let your face shine on us.
The Lord is always with us. All we ever need to do, in times of distress, in times of joy, in times of rest and even in the times of quiet stillness, is to acknowledge his presence and call upon Him...Let His face shine upon us!
Second Reading: 1John 2:1-5a
In today's second reading we are reminded to turn away from sin and keep the Lord's commandments. God the Father has sent his Son, Jesus the Christ to take away our sins. We reciprocate this gift by keeping his commandments: Loving God and loving our neighbor!
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
Today's gospel story follows the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They have returned to Jerusalem after they had spent time with the Risen Jesus. While in Jerusalem, they recount their encounter with the Risen Jesus and while doing so, Jesus appears again! He greets them, "Peace be with you." Again they are startled and terrified and Jesus has to reassure them that it is He and that everything is alright. He tells them he is not a ghost and he encourages them to touch Him. They become incredulous for joy and were amazed. Then Jesus asks for something to eat, to show them who he is and that although resurrected, still has his physical body.
After he eats, he reminds them that he is the fulfillment of the law of Moses, the prophets and the psalms. Then he does something amazing....he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
The Risen Christ brings us so much....His peace, forgiveness, mercy, love and hope. He also gives us His spirit, the Holy Spirit so we too can be vessels of that same peace, forgiveness, mercy, love and hope!