My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, on this Wednesday during the Octave of Easter, we gather to reflect on the profound truths revealed to us in the readings from the Acts of the Apostles and the Gospel of Luke. As we join in prayer at our churches and with our fellow Catholics, let us consider the journey of life—not merely as a path we walk but as a journey intimately entwined with the presence of Christ, who rises to guide us through our challenges and uncertainties.
In our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, we see Peter and John going to the temple to pray. This moment is a testament to their steadfastness and commitment to God amid a world so lost in the mundane. This alone reminds us of our priority number one - to spend time with God. On the way there, they encounter a man crippled from birth, begging at the Beautiful Gate. Despite his physical condition and the desperation etched on his face, it is Peter's profound gaze that transforms this moment.
Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, tells the beggar he has something better to offer him than silver or gold. Instead, he offers what faith he has: “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk.” This moment illustrates a vital truth: the healing we seek often goes beyond our physical needs but not to their exclusion. Yet, the power of Christ's resurrection is not just about physical restoration but about transformation. The risen Christ does not merely wish to heal us of our ailments; He seeks to lift us out of despair, to restore our dignity, and to enable us to leap joyfully in faith, as the man did when he walked and praised God.
We continue our reflection with the Gospel of Luke, which recounts the journey of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are in despair, their hopes crushed by the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. Yet, in their sorrow, they encounter an unexpected companion—Jesus himself, though they do not recognize Him. How often do we, too, walk through life with heavy hearts, oblivious to Christ's presence beside us?
Jesus engages them in conversation, asking, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” He already knows the answer to this but his question invites introspection and dialogue, revealing their wounds and fears. In these moments, we learn that Christ walks with us, even when we cannot see Him. The risen Christ wishes to reveal Himself through the Scriptures and the breaking of the bread and in so many other ways.
When their eyes are finally opened, they declared, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way?” It is in the very act of conversation, of Scripture sharing, and the Eucharistic meal that we come to recognize and fully embrace Christ in our lives. Like the disciples, we must cultivate an awareness of Christ walking alongside us and gently revealing the truth of His love.
So, how do we embrace this journey with the risen Christ? Firstly, we must acknowledge that life will present challenges and moments of despair. Like the man at the temple gate, we may find ourselves feeling broken or overlooked. But let us remember that Christ sees us, knows us, and calls us to rise up.
Secondly, we are called to remain open to the grace of Christ’s presence in our daily lives. Just as the disciples learned to recognize Him in the breaking of bread, we, too, must open our eyes and hearts to the countless moments of grace around us—the love of others, the beauty of creation, and experiences of forgiveness and community.
Lastly, let us rejoice in the mission to share the good news. Like Peter who offered healing in Jesus’ name, we are called to share the presence of the risen Christ with a world hungry for hope, renewal, and transformation. Together, as we seek the Lord, let our actions reflect our faith and invite others to experience the transformative power of love that we have known. As we continue our journey, let us always rejoice in the presence of our Risen Lord, who is with us until the end of the age. Amen.
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