First Reading (Acts 3:13-15:17-19)
Reading from the Book of Acts of the Apostles:
In those days, Peter addressed the people, saying: “The God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over and rejected him before Pilate, who was determined to release him. You rejected the Holy and the Just, and asked for the release of a murderer. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead, and we are witnesses of this.
And now, my brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. God, however, fulfilled in this way what he had announced through the mouth of all the prophets: that his Christ would suffer. Repent, therefore, and be converted, so that your sins may be forgiven.”
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Second Reading (1Jo 2,1-5a)
Reading of the First Letter of Saint John:
My little children, I write this so that you will not sin. However, if anyone sins, we have a Defender with the Father: Jesus Christ, the Just. He is the victim of atonement for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world.
To know that we know him, let us see whether we keep his commandments. Whoever says, “I know God,” but does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But in him who keeps his word, the love of God is fully realized.
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Announcement of the Gospel (Lc 24,35-48)
— PROCLAMATION of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, the two disciples told what had happened on the way, and how they had recognized Jesus when he broke the bread. They were still talking when Jesus himself appeared among them and said to them: “Peace be with you!”
They were frightened and filled with fear, thinking they were seeing a ghost. But Jesus said, “Why are you worried, and why do you have doubts in your hearts? See my hands and my feet: it’s really me! Touch me and see! A ghost has no flesh or bones, as you see I have.”
And when Jesus had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. But they still couldn’t believe it, because they were so happy and surprised. Then Jesus said, “Do you have anything to eat here?” They gave him a piece of roasted fish. He took it and ate it before them.
Then he said to them: “These are the things I spoke to you when I was still with you: everything that is written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
Then Jesus opened the intelligence of the disciples to understand the Scriptures, and said to them: “Thus it is written: ‘The Christ will suffer and will rise from the dead on the third day, and in his name conversion and forgiveness of sins will be preached to all nations. , beginning with Jerusalem’. You will be witnesses of all this.”
— Word of Salvation.
— Glory to you, Lord.
Reflecting the Word of God
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I want to begin our reflection with a question that resonates in our daily experiences: how do you deal with your weaknesses and failures? We all have moments when we feel unworthy, discouraged, or even defeated. It is in these situations that our faith is tested, and it is in these situations that we find the transformative truths of God’s Word.
Imagine yourself in a race. You’re in the middle of the competition, exhausted, legs heavy, sweat running down your face. The fatigue is overwhelming, and every step feels like a battle. But suddenly you see a familiar figure in front of you. It’s your coach, running alongside you, encouraging you to keep going and giving you the strength to overcome your limits. This powerful image helps us understand the spiritual truths we find in today’s Bible passages.
In the first reading, from the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we are presented with Peter’s speech after the healing of a lame man. Peter boldly proclaims the Gospel message, pointing to Jesus Christ as the author of life and the promised Messiah. He reminds the crowd of their role in Jesus’ crucifixion, but also offers them hope and forgiveness through repentance.
This story teaches us that no matter how great our weaknesses or how serious our sins, there is always hope and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Like Peter, we can face our failures with courage, acknowledging them before God and sincerely repenting. God, in His infinite mercy, is always ready to forgive us and offer us a new chance.
The second reading, from the First Letter of John, reminds us of the intercession of Jesus Christ on our behalf. John tells us that if we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. These words are a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and failures. We have a Savior who is at our side, interceding for us and offering us His grace and forgiveness.
This image of Jesus as our Advocate leads us to understand that He not only forgives us, but also empowers us to live a holy life. John tells us that if we keep Jesus’ commandments, we will be in communion with Him. This implies an active commitment to follow Christ’s teachings, to seek holiness and to love our neighbors as He loved us.
Now, let us bring these spiritual truths into the realities of our everyday lives. Just like the runner who finds strength in his coach, we can find strength in Jesus Christ to face our weaknesses and failures. When we feel unworthy or discouraged, we must remember that Jesus is at our side, ready to encourage us and enable us to continue.
But how does this apply in practical situations? Imagine a young man who has struggled with addiction for years. He feels helpless and desperate, thinking he will never be able to free himself. It is at this moment that the figure of Jesus, the Lawyer, approaches him, offering the strength and courage necessary to face addiction, step by step. With the help of treatments, family support and a supportive faith community, he finds overcoming and freedom.
In the same way, let’s think about a couple who faces problems in their relationship, with hurt and resentment building up over time. They feel lost and hopeless, not knowing how to restore mutual love and trust. But, like a loving coach, Jesus approaches them, showing them the path to reconciliation. He strengthens them with the courage to forgive and ask for forgiveness, to commit to open communication and the pursuit of the good of others. Over time, the couple experiences healing and renewal in their relationship, guided by the grace of Christ.
These real-life examples show us that spiritual truths are not mere abstractions, but principles that can transform our lives in tangible ways. When we recognize our weaknesses and draw closer to Jesus, He empowers us to face adversity, overcome our sins, and live a life of fullness and purpose.
Dear brothers and sisters, it is important to emphasize that these truths are not just for a privileged few, but for all of us. No matter who you are, where you are, or what you have done, God’s mercy and forgiveness are within your reach. Jesus is by your side, reaching out to help you get up when you fall and walking with you every step of your journey.
So how can we put these spiritual principles into practice in our daily lives? Let me give you some clear guidelines:
First, do some soul searching regularly. Identify your weaknesses and sins, and bring them before God in sincere repentance. Trust in His forgiveness and seek reconciliation with those you have hurt.
Second, seek Jesus’ guidance in all areas of your life. Read the Word of God, meditate on it and apply its teachings to your everyday life. Allow Jesus to be your coach, guiding you in every decision and action.
Additionally, seek fellowship with other Christians. A supportive faith community can offer support, encouragement, and accountability. Get involved in Bible study groups, participate in the Eucharist, and support each other in prayer.
Finally, remember that the journey of faith is an ongoing process. Don’t be discouraged by obstacles and setbacks. Trust in God’s grace, which is sufficient for you. Each day, try to grow in holiness, even if it is one step at a time.
Dear brothers and sisters, today we are reminded of the life-changing truths of God’s Word. Just like the runner who finds strength in his coach, we can find strength in Jesus Christ to face our weaknesses and failures. No matter how great our sin or how deep our despair, God’s mercy and forgiveness are within our reach.
May we, as a faith community, embrace these truths and allow them to shape our lives. May we be living witnesses of the transforming power of Jesus Christ in our families, in our relationships, and in our world.
May divine grace, love and hope accompany us on our daily journey. And may we live according to the teachings of Scripture, finding strength in Jesus and sharing his light with everyone around us.
So be it. Amen.
