4/24/2025 (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 anything 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.

4/24/2025 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 24:35-48

There are moments in life when everything changes. A sunrise breaks after a long night. A locked door swings open. A heart once heavy with sorrow begins to beat again with hope. The Gospel reading above captures such a moment, a scene pulsing with awe, disbelief, and transformation.

The two disciples had just returned from Emmaus, their eyes opened in the breaking of bread. As they share their encounter, Jesus Himself stands among them. Not a ghost, not a vision but the Risen Lord in flesh and bone. Their fear turns to amazement. Their doubts collide with wonder. In that room, everything begins to shift.

Jesus greets them not with judgment for their earlier disbelief, but with peace: “Peace be with you.” These words are more than a greeting. They are a gift. In our world of confusion, fear, and spiritual fatigue, Jesus still offers peace. Not as the world gives, but a deep, enduring peace that anchors the soul. It is a peace that comes not from having all the answers, but from knowing who holds them.

He invites them to see His hands and feet and to touch the wounds that tell the story of His love. Even in His resurrected body, Jesus carries the scars. And that’s good news for us. It means our scars, our brokenness, our pain, are not things to hide or be ashamed of. They are places where resurrection power can be revealed. Jesus shows us that woundedness and glory can coexist.

The disciples are amazed, but they still struggle to believe. So, Jesus eats with them, something so ordinary, yet so profound. He doesn’t need food, but He chooses to share a meal. In doing so, He reminds us that faith is not only about the miraculous; it’s also about the everyday. Christ is present in the simple moments such as meals, conversations, community. He is near in our kitchens as much as in our sanctuaries.

Then He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures. So often we approach faith like a puzzle to be solved. But it’s not about figuring everything out; it’s about letting Jesus open our minds and hearts. He is the key to understanding not only the Word but also our own lives. From Genesis to Revelation, it all points to Him including His suffering, His resurrection, and the mission He gives to us.

And here’s where it gets deeply personal. Jesus says, “You are witnesses of these things.” Not just the disciples in that room but also us. We are witnesses, not because we’ve seen Him physically but because we’ve experienced His grace, His forgiveness, and His power. Our lives, transformed by Christ, become living testimonies. We are called not just to believe but to tell. To go out into the world and proclaim that repentance and forgiveness are real and available to all.

That message is desperately needed today. So many are walking toward their own “Emmaus,” hearts heavy, hope fading. They need someone to tell them that Jesus is alive, that death is not the end, that mercy is stronger than failure.

So, what will you do with what you’ve seen and heard? Will you carry it quietly, or will you share it boldly?

You don’t have to be perfect. The disciples weren’t. They doubted. They were afraid. But Jesus chose them anyway. And He chooses you too. He equips you with His Spirit and sends you with His peace.

So go. Live like resurrection is real. Love like Christ is alive. Speak like you’ve seen the Risen One. Because you have. Not with your eyes maybe but in your spirit, in your story, in your transformation.

You are a witness. Go light a fire.

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