Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Third Sunday of Easter, Year, A– April 26, 2020

Readings: Acts 2:14.22-33; Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2a.5.7-8.9-10.11(R.11a);  

1 Pet 1:17-21 & Gospel Luke 24:13-35.

Theme: Journeying with Christ!

Sunday Synopsis

Our first reading (Acts 2:14.22-33), reminds us about Peter’s message on the day of Pentecost which blamed the Jews for killing Jesus but assured that God raised him up and they are witnesses to his resurrection. The second reading (1 Pet 1:17-21) assures that God is an impartial judge stressing that we were redeemed not with futile things like silver and gold but with the precious blood of the lamb. The gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35) invites us to daily walk with Jesus through his living God like the two disciples whom he walked with, invited to stay over, explained the scriptures to and eventually opened their eyes at the breaking of the bread.

Introduction

Friends in Christ, as we continue witnessing to the resurrection of Christ, our liturgy presents Jesus as a Chief Catechist who catechised the two disciples on the way to Emmaus who recognised him at the breaking of bread. Events leading to the Emmaus story had been that of gloom for the disciples whose hopes were dashed at the scandalous death of their Lord and Master. Feeling that noting was left of the missionary enterprise, the apostles went back to their fishing profession. Little wonder Thomas was missing when the Lord came visiting. His doubt about Christ’s visible appearance confirms their state of mind at the Lord’s death.

In their discussion with Jesus, the Emmaus disciples made this disclosure: “We were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel;” they also noted that some of them also visited the tomb and found things as the women in their group had told them “but him they did not see” – they were presenting an uncertain scenario but Jesus changed the narrative. This sets the theme for our reflection titled: “Journeying with Christ.”   

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Acts 2:14.22-33), we are told that on the day of Pentecost, St. Peter challenged  the Jews for killing Jesus who was innocent and just by nailing him on the cross. He noted despite their wicked act, God raised him from the pangs of death. He maintained that they are witnesses to his (Jesus’) resurrection as the Holy Spirit gave them power.

The second reading (1 Pet 1:17-21) presents God as an impartial judge. Therein St. Peter reminds us that we were redeemed not with futile things like silver and gold but with the precious blood of the lamb. He indicated that this was destined for our sanctification noting that through him, we have confidence in God who raised him and gave him glory so that we might grow in faith and hope. 

The gospel reading (Luke 24:13-35) narrates the enthralling encounter between Jesus and the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. The disciples were discussing about the circumstances surrounding the unjust manner in which their people crucified the Lord when “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognising him.” H, however, used the opportunity to challenge their slowness to believe the prophets adding that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and enter into his glory. Going back to Moses and all the prophets, he catechised them concerning what referred to him in the whole of the scripture.

Pastoral Lessons

1. Journey to Emmaus: We must journey from Emmaus back to the “Jerusalem” of our places of work and domicile to proclaim that Christ is indeed risen as St. Peter charges us in the first and second readings (Acts 2:14.22-33 & 1 Pet 1:17-21).

2. Treasure the Word: This rare privilege of getting first hand catechesis from the Chief Catechist himself speaks to the heart of the importance of the Liturgy of the Word which is the first part of the celebration of Holy Mass that precedes the reception of the Holy Eucharist.

3. Prepare for the Eucharist: Our liturgy challenges us to adequately prepare for the reception of Holy Communion as the Emmaus disciples.

4. Recognise Jesus in the Eucharist: Since thee disciples recognised Jesus at the breaking of the bread, we are charged to adore the Eucharistic Jesus even as we recognise him in the daily events of our lives.

5. Make Jesus the Source and Summit of Your Life: Amidst the current Coronavirus pandemic and secularity of attempts to find its cure, we are challenged to look up to the Eucharistic Jesus as “the Source and Summit of our lives and existence” through daily medication on his word and the meaning of our earthly existence. 

6. Embrace Sound Family-Catechesis: This time of social isolation and self quarantine invites parents and their children to restore family catechesis (teaching about the church’s doctrines, faith and morals) because it is a rich resource for spiritual growth and renewal. 

7. Be Truly Catholic: We are reminded that being truly Catholic means developing a genuine awareness of the sacraments as taught by the Church’s Magisterium over the years through Sacred Tradition while relying on a deep conviction about the Word of God and Eucharistic nourishment for the sustenance of faith.

8. Let Your Hearts Burn: We are challenged to let our hearts burn like the disciples in charity so as to care for the needs of our brothers and sisters within this time of COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

9. Be Witnesses of the Risen Christ: We ought to be witnesses of the risen Christ, the Chief Catechist of our faith, through solemn proclamation and by the manner of our lives.

Summary Lines

1. In the first reading, we are told that on the day of Pentecost, St. Peter challenged the Jews for killing Jesus.

2. The second presents God as an impartial judge.

3. Therein St. Peter reminds us that we were redeemed not with futile things like silver and gold but with the precious blood of the lamb.

4. The gospel narrates the enthralling encounter between Jesus and the two disciples on the way to Emmaus.

5. We were told that they were “conversing and debating” about the events that have been and “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them…

Conclusion

In conclusion, like the Emmaus disciples, we are often caught up in the maze of life that we don’t notice Jesus walking by us. He comes in form of a beggar, a cripple, a starving child and a widow. Examples are rife of how Jesus disguised himself in form of those who are at the margins of society and we didn’t come to his aid. May God open our eyes like the two disciples to see Christ in the daily events of our lives in order to serve him in our neighbours especially during this time of social isolation and quarantine. Amen. Have a fabulous week!