Deacon Tom Writes,
“Spread the Word”
Third Sunday of Easter, Year A
Reading St. Luke's account of the events following Jesus' resurrection we see that the only post-resurrection encounters with Jesus recorded in Luke’s gospel take place on Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday is a busy day for Jesus. At dawn, some of the woman came to the tomb to complete the burial ritual that was interrupted by the Passover feast. They found the stone rolled back and two men in dazzling white asked them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; but has been raised..” So, they ran off, found Peter, and told him what they had seen and heard. Peter did not believe them and had to go check it out for himself. When he arrived at the tomb, he found it empty, just as the women had said (LK 24:1-10).
Luke continues with the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus and while in route, they encounter a stranger who is totally unaware of the happenings over the past several days, meaning that Jesus had been put to death. This stranger calls these disciples to task admonishing them on how little they learned from the Prophets and he begins to relate to them all that scripture had to say about the Christ. He then reveals his identity to them when he breaks bread with them. Then he suddenly disappears. LK 24:13-35
These disciples, their hearts on fire, rush back to Jerusalem and meet with Peter and “while they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” Jesus shows them his wounds and asks for something to eat. They gave him some fish and again he reminds all there of what had been written about him by the Prophets. He then opens their minds so they understand what was written about him in the scriptures. He then instructs them to be “witnesses of these things.” (LK 24: 36-48)
Jesus and the disciples then head out on the road that leads to Bethany and Jesus ascends into heaven (LK 24: 50-53).
Quite a day wouldn’t you say!!! And it’s all in Chapter 24 of St. Luke’s Gospel. In each encounter that day, Jesus continues to teach and feed his disciples with the Word of God and the Bread of Life. This is the work that Jesus invites us to do – share with others the Good News others have shared with us.
There is a reason we celebrate Easter over many weeks. It is so that we can try to understand the mystery of the Resurrection and for us to look forward to and prepare ourselves for the gift of eternal life that Christ has won for us.
Stay safe, hopeful and faithful in these joyful days of Easter.
Enjoy the day!
Deacon Tom
Please Visit www.deaconspod.com for a contemporary conversation exploring the treasures our Catholic faith has to offer.
OTHER RESOURCE
Recommended Reading: The Seeing Eye by C.S. Lewis presents an eloquent and colorful defense of Christianity for both devotees and critics... in a collection of essays composed over the last twenty years of his life.
Recommended YouTube Video: Listen to C.S. Lewis’ The Seeing Eye on YouTube Video.
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