First Reading - Acts 3:11-26
Gospel - Luke 24:35-48
In the first reading, Peter speaks boldly to the people after the healing of the lame man. He makes it clear that the miracle was not by their own power, but through Jesus, whom they had rejected and crucified. Yet, Peter does not speak to condemn—he speaks to invite. He calls them to repentance so that their sins may be wiped away and times of refreshment may come from the Lord.
Here we see the heart of Christian preaching: truth spoken with courage, but always with the hope of conversion and new life. The Resurrection is not just something to be admired—it calls for a response.
In the Gospel, we find the disciples still struggling to believe. Even after hearing the testimony of others, they are filled with fear and doubt. Suddenly, Jesus stands among them and says, “Peace be with you.” Instead of rebuking them, He reassures them. He shows them His hands and His feet. He even eats in their presence to prove that He is truly alive.
Then, He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures. What they could not grasp before now becomes clear. They begin to understand that His suffering, death, and Resurrection were all part of God’s plan. And finally, He gives them a mission: to proclaim repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations. “You are witnesses of these things,” He tells them.
Dear friends, these readings remind us that faith is often a journey—from doubt to belief, from fear to courage, from confusion to understanding.
Like the people listening to Peter, we are called to repentance. Sometimes, we act out of ignorance, weakness, or habit. But God does not reject us—He invites us to turn back to Him so that we may experience His mercy and renewal.
Like the disciples, we may struggle with doubts and fears. At times, our faith may feel weak. But Jesus does not abandon us in those moments. He comes to us with His peace. He meets us in our confusion and gently leads us to deeper understanding.
He also opens our minds, just as He did for the disciples. This happens when we reflect on His Word, when we pray, and when we allow His presence to guide us. Slowly, we begin to see His plan in our lives.
Finally, we are given a mission. We are not just believers—we are witnesses. Through our words, our actions, and our way of life, we are called to proclaim that Christ is alive and that forgiveness and new life are possible for all.
May we welcome the peace of the Risen Lord into our hearts. May we allow Him to strengthen our faith and remove our doubts. And may we go forth as true witnesses, proclaiming through our lives that He is truly risen and alive among us.
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