Gospel – Luke 24: 35-48
Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’
They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’
And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Anne F.
Reflection:
Breathlessly back from Emmaus, the disciples tell the story of recognition. They describe how they had recognised their own story when the stranger told it and how they had – amazingly! – recognised who was telling it. As their hearts burn again within them, they realise that Jesus is truly with them, stilling them, calling them to peace. Yesterday, they had been distracted by their heavy history; today, with the disciples, they are delighted to recall an experience of God’s gracious presence. Smiling, Jesus says to them, ‘The moment is now. Peace!’
Lord, help us to live mindfully, not to be distracted either by what we see as desolation or consolation. Let us receive the spirit of your presence, calling us to life in all circumstances.
- Jesus offers his peace and asks his followers to be people who make peace. Let peace be the word for our prayer today – peace received and peace prayed for.
