Third Sunday of Easter
Lectionary: 47 (NAB Readings) (Jerusalem Bible Readings)
Reading 1
Acts 3:13-15, 17-19
In the season of easter, we place a large scriptural focus on the book of the Acts of the Apostles to show the important consequences of the resurrection of Jesus. We continue this week in a section where St Luke tells of Peter’s explanation and history of Christianity as directed to the Gentiles. He also speaks of Jesus as the fulfillment of the promise to the Jews. For both communities, Jesus challenges the previous way of life. Jesus isn’t someone that you can meet and leave apathetic.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9
- (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
Reading 2
1 John 2:1-5A
This week’s second reading from St John is an audacious reminder of the requirements of Christianity. “Those who say, “I know him,” but do not keep his commandments
are liars, and the truth is not in them.” Plain and simple, it doesn’t matter if you call yourself a Christian, it requires testimony through your life in order to fulfil the expectations of following Jesus.
If we strive to follow the way of Jesus, He will have mercy on us even if we don’t follow it perfectly. He can see our hearts and intentions. Jesus wants the desires of our hearts.
Alleluia CF. Luke 24:32
- Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us; make our hearts burn while you speak to us.
Gospel
Luke 24:35-48
The third week of Easter’s Gospel from St Luke picks up at the end of the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Jesus makes another appearance in this story and it startles the disciples in Jerusalem. Jesus then goes to great lengths to prove that He is not a ghost, but His body has resurrected and been glorified.
Sometimes we can hear all the stories and grow very familiar with Jesus, but we’re often caught of guard and freak out whenever things don’t go the way we expected them to go. Jesus reminds them of what He had spoken to them when times were calm, and this brings reassurance. When life gets difficult and scary, we can look back on the Jesus was with us in the good and intimate moments of prayer.
Gospel Meditation from Bishop Vásquez
Reflection question
- Jesus ate fish before the disciples to prove that he had risen not only in spirit but in body. Meals are the perfect time for families to gather for prayer. Pray with Does your family before and after each.
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