April 23, 2023 ・ 3rd Sunday of Easter (A)

Acts 2. 14, 22-33/ Ps 16. 8, 10, 11/ 1 Peter 1. 17-21/ Luke 24. 13-35 Our present generation already counts plenty of years after the time of Jesus` disciples‘ witnessing and proclamation on His (Jesus`) death and Resurrection. It may be a real challenge to each one of us too to become truly witnesses of Christ`s death and resurrection, given this major theme for our reflection not only today but for these coming days. People who use the daily bible readings during their personal prayer time may immediately notice these coming days the continuity of readings from the Acts of the Apostles. (1) First Reading: While the Acts of the Apostles generally talks about the proclamation of the Lord who is Risen. The continuity of the readings emphasizes also on the disciples of Jesus being witnesses to His (Jesus`) death and Resurrection. Our first reading talks about the love of God that freed Jesus from the pain of death, and that led Jesus to enter into glory. We rely on the story of His disciples, the first witnesses. Our response must be more on living our daily lives the way Jesus portrayed His passion and death. In that way, we will be able to live our lives full of hope while sharing with others experience(s) of getting over human weaknesses. Then we become in our generation true witnesses of Jesus` death and Resurrection. (2) Gospel Reading: How often we encounter today`s passage during our community recollections and retreats. The bible passage tackling about the Road to Emmaus gives our life in Christ up to this day full of content. It expresses and captures the whole of our Christian life, and of our journey to our final glory in Christ. The Risen Christ gives light to us and to our path. It is necessary that we continue to recognize Jesus as our Light. We as people in pilgrimage (pilgrim Church), through the unending love and mercy of God, are able to continue our journey. ・During mass, we listen to the Word of God. We find the true identity and mission of Jesus. During Mass, while we witness the breaking of the bread, we recognize Jesus. Always, in the state of “awe,” we start to proclaim Jesus as our Savior, and begin to participate in his mission, understand the importance of accommodation and generosity to people we have considered stranger to us up to this time. (3) Second Reading: We give honor and praise to the Father for we are all his children. The passion, death and Resurrection of Jesus tells us about the love of God to us, and about His (the Father) forgiveness to our sins. So this was how the love of God was shown and revealed. May we always hope for a life, and may we always create a view in life, that is well founded in Christian life. May we always open our hearts to always meet Jesus in unexpected place, time, situation, and people.