Third Sunday of Easter
Sunday May 4, 2014
Lectionary: 46
Reading 1
ACTS 2:14, 22-33
We continue in the book of the Acts of the Apostles in this week’s first reading. This is one of those readings that is hard to with justice to the content. This is part of the famous speech given by St. Peter at Pentecost that converted 3,000 men. His audience is mainly Jews, so he is able to reveal the Gospel as a completion of the revelation of Truth. This is the first time we publicly hear our first pope proclaim the Gospel immediately after the familiar story of the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This sudden revelation of the Holy Spirit takes the bystanders off guard, and the miraculous event leaves many of them curious and open the work of the Spirit.
These words are powerful. They reveal the power and glory of the Incarnate God that magnificently conquered death. Nothing else can really compete with that. In our world and reality, death is ultimate and there is no escaping it, but St Peter shows us how death no longer has a sting. He has ended in his rightful place and sent forth the Spirit to empower them. At this point, it would be difficult to counter an event they had all experienced, and St Peter’s words are the final sell to bring this group into the fullness of Truth.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
R/ (11a) Lord, you will show us the path of life.
Reading 2
1 Peter 1:17-21
The second reading from the first letter of Peter is a good dose of optimism and gratefulness. It picks up where we left off in last week’s second reading. He reminds us that the opportunity for conversion is a blessing, and is showing us that God has a plan. His death was for something important – to give you the opportunity of salvation.
Gospel
Luke 24:13-35
This Gospel reading from Luke is one of the most important and recognized readings from after the Resurrection. This is a powerful example of the Holy Mass we celebrate today. It begins with two disciples that are returning home feeling heart-broken and defeated. They placed their hopes in Jesus, and felt as if all was lost not that He had been killed. He walks them through the meanings of the Old Testaments and reveals to them the new. Then it culminates at the breaking of the bread and suddenly they realize that God Himself is present in their midst. This week, let’s pray for a greater revelation of the True Presence in the Eucharist.
Reflection done by Cristobal Almanza – @SoulPainter
Theme song – Ignite – Soundwave soundwave.cc
Background Music This Week
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