First Reading (Acts 3,11-26)
Reading of the Acts of the Apostles.
In those days, as the paralytic no longer left Peter and John, all the people, amazed, ran to them, in the so-called “Solomon’s Portico”.
Upon seeing this, Peter addressed the people: “Israelites, why are you astonished at what has happened? Why do you stand looking at us, as if we made this man walk by our own power or godliness? The God of Abraham, of Isaac, of Jacob, the God of our ancestors 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. Thanks to faith in the name of Jesus, this Name has just strengthened this man that you see and recognize. The faith that comes through Jesus gave him perfect health in the presence of you all.
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 convert, so that your sins may be forgiven. In this way you will be able to reach the time of rest that comes from the Lord. And he will send Jesus, the Christ, who was destined for you.
However, it is necessary for heaven to receive him, until the time for the restoration of all things is fulfilled, as God said in times past, through the mouth of his holy prophets. In fact, Moses said: ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet like me among your brothers. Listen to everything he tells you. Whoever does not listen to this prophet will be eliminated from among the people.’
And all the prophets who spoke, from Samuel and his successors, they also announced these days. You are children of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, when he said to Abraham: ‘Through your descendants all the families of the earth will be blessed’. After having resurrected his servant, God sent him first to you, to bless you, as each one turns from his wickedness.”
– Word of the Lord.
– Thank God.
Gospel (Lc 24,35-48)
— Proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke.
— Glory to you, Lord.
At that time, the 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 saying this, Jesus showed them his hands and 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 announced to all nations, starting 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 would like to start our reflection with a question: have you ever had the feeling that something is missing in your life? Perhaps you are seeking a deeper purpose, renewed hope, or a transformative encounter. Many times, in our daily journey, we are faced with challenges, sadness and uncertainty that leave us with an emptiness in our hearts. But the Word of God brings us a message of hope and fullness that can fill this void and lead us to a profound experience with the living presence of Jesus.
The biblical passages we heard today, the First Reading from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel according to Luke, teach us about this transformative experience of encountering the Resurrected One. Let’s begin with the First Reading, where we find Peter and John healing a lame man at the door of the Temple. The crowd is amazed and gathers in admiration. Peter then takes this moment to tell people about the power of Jesus Christ.
Peter highlights that that man was healed through faith in Jesus, the Holy and Just, who they handed over to death, but who God raised from the dead. He proclaims that through Jesus, everyone has the opportunity for repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. Peter invites people to convert and experience the consolation and blessing of the Lord.
This message from Peter is a message of hope for all of us. She reminds us that, through Jesus, we can find healing and renewal in all areas of our lives. Just as the lame man was physically healed, we can also be healed spiritually and emotionally through the power of Jesus. He is ready to extend His hand of love and grace to lift us up and restore us.
In the Gospel, we find the disciples gathered in Jerusalem, still stunned by the news of Jesus’ resurrection. Suddenly, Jesus appears in their midst and says: “Peace be with you.” They are frightened and think they are seeing a spirit, but Jesus shows them His hands and feet, so they see the marks of the crucifixion. He asks them for something to eat, and they give Him a piece of fish, which He eats before them.
This passage gives us a powerful image of the resurrected Jesus, who is alive and present in the midst of His community. He is not a distant spirit or a mere memory of the past, but a living, tangible reality. Jesus is by our side, even in moments of doubt, fear and uncertainty. He brings us peace, shows us His real presence, and feeds us with His grace.
Just as Jesus asked his disciples for something to eat, He also asks us to offer Him our lives, our gifts and talents, our failures and successes. He desires to be present in all areas of our existence. He wants to share our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears. He invites us to open our hearts to His presence and allow Him to transform our lives.
Dear brothers and sisters, these biblical passages challenge us to enter into a deep encounter with Jesus. They invite us to open our eyes to his living presence in our everyday lives. And they call us to respond to this encounter with faith, repentance and a renewed life.
How can we do that? How can we experience this transformative encounter with Jesus?
First, we need to be open and receptive to his presence. Often, we can be so busy with everyday worries that we don’t notice God’s action in our lives. We need to set aside time for prayer, reading the Word of God and participating in the sacraments. It is in these sacred moments that we make space for Jesus to speak to us and meet us where we are.
Furthermore, we must strive to live according to the teachings of Jesus. He called us to love God above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This means seeking justice, compassion, and forgiveness in our daily interactions. We can find Jesus in the people we meet, especially in the most needy and marginalized. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be His living presence in the world, bringing hope, love and mercy to everyone around us.
Furthermore, it is also important to remember that our encounter with Jesus is not only for our own transformation, but also for the transformation of the world. He calls us to be witnesses of His resurrection, to share the good news with those who do not yet know Him. Just as the disciples were sent by Jesus to be witnesses of His death and resurrection, so we are sent to proclaim the message of salvation to all peoples and nations.
Dear brothers and sisters, today we are invited to enter into a profound encounter with Jesus. He is alive and present in our lives, ready to heal us, renew us and guide us on our path. He calls us to open our hearts and offer Him all that we are. He invites us to live according to his teachings and to be witnesses of him in the world. May we respond to this call with generosity and courage, trusting in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit that strengthens us.
At this time, I invite all of us to pause in silence, to allow the words of Scripture to resonate in our hearts. May the Holy Spirit guide us in our personal reflection on how these spiritual truths apply to our daily lives.
Beloved brothers and sisters, may the Word of God that we hear today find fertile soil in our hearts. May it become a seed that grows and blossoms, transforming us from the inside out. May we experience the living encounter with Jesus, the healing and fullness that He offers. And that, strengthened by His presence and grace, we can be His witnesses in the world, bringing His light and His love to everyone around us.
May God bless us and guide us on our journey of faith. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
