4/4/2024 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 24:35-48

35 The disciples of Jesus told what things were done in the way; and how they knew him in the breaking of the bread.
36 Now whilst they were speaking these things, Jesus stood in the midst of them, and said to them: Peace be to you; it is I, fear not.
37 But they being troubled and frightened, supposed that they saw a ghost.
38 And he said to them: Why are you troubled, and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 See my hands and feet, that it is I myself; handle, and see: for a ghost has not flesh and bones, as you see me to have.
40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
41 But while they yet believed not, and wondered for joy, he said: Have you any thing to eat?
42 And they offered him a piece of a broiled fish, and a honeycomb.
43 And when he had eaten before them, taking the remains, he gave to them.
44 And he said to them: These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then he opened their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures.
46 And he said to them: Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead, the third day:
47 And that penance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, unto all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And you are witnesses of these things.

4/4/2024 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 24:35-48

In the gospel passage above, we find the profound moment when Jesus appears to His disciples after His resurrection, transforming their fear and doubt into joy and belief. This passage is not merely a recounting of an event; it’s a profound message of hope and redemption that resonates deeply with each of us today.

Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in their moment of uncertainty and despair serves as a powerful reminder that even when we are beset by the storms of life, feeling lost and alone, Jesus is always present. He stands in our midst, offering peace and assurance that we are never forsaken. His words, “Peace be with you,” echo through the ages, inviting us to let go of our fears and embrace the peace that comes from knowing Him.

Moreover, Jesus’ request for food and His sharing of the Scriptures with the disciples illustrate His desire for communion with us and the importance of nurturing our spiritual lives. He opens our minds to understand the Scriptures, revealing that every trial we face, every moment of suffering, is part of a larger, divine narrative of love, redemption, and eternal life.

This gospel narrative invites us to recognize Jesus in our daily lives, to see Him in the breaking of bread, in the sharing of our stories, and in the faces of those we encounter. It calls us to be witnesses of His love and His resurrection, to spread the joy of the Gospel with a renewed spirit. With open hearts, let us carry the joy of the resurrection into the world, living as beacons of hope and vessels of Christ’s peace.

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