3rd Sunday of Easter: Easter Faith

04-18-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Peter stood before the people and tried to convince them of the true identity and mission of Jesus. That Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah; that His Christ would suffer (Act. 3:18). He wanted to make them realize the wrong they have done to the Messiah and convert them for the forgiveness of their sins.

Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection. Not understanding His words about the Messiah, Jesus opened their mind, heart; and made them see the whole horizon. Initially, together with the Apostles, they all doubted the resurrection of Jesus. So, Jesus had to lead them out of their fears and doubts and gave them the faith, confidence, and courage to go out to be His witnesses. Jesus has set them to become Easter people. Let us be open to the way God sees and does things. Let us not allow our selfish, limited, and biased opinions to cloud our faith in the resurrection.

The Apostles had three years of formation with Jesus. They have seen countless miracles and witnessed the raising of Lazarus. Among the Jews, we would think that they were the most prepared to accept the possibility of the Lord’s resurrection. But still, they were surprised to encounter the glorious risen Lord. Jesus had to open their minds to understand the Scriptures. In this way, the Apostles have two solid bases for the resurrection of Jesus, the physical evidence of Jesus and the inspired prophecies of Scripture.

Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? (Lk. 24:38) These are the same questions Jesus is asking us today. Jesus invites us not to allow the vanities and cares of the world to sow the seed of doubt in our hearts and bring worries and fears to our lives. What is bothering us right now? Finances? Health? Relationships?

Let us allow the Risen Christ to calm our fears and anxieties with His greeting: Peace be with you! Jesus said: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. (Jn. 14:1) Have faith and trust that God can heal our troubled past and strengthen us for our present realities, as well as our uncertain future.

A beautiful prayer: “God, surprise us again. When we miss the beauty and joy of Earth’s goodness. When we grow too accustomed to a busy life. When the goodness of others gets lost in the rush. When our frailty outruns our strength. When the hope in our hearts fades away. When the call to serve others loses its flavor. When we search for the way home to You. When loneliness pursues us. When it seems that the darkness will never give way to light. When the ache of the world wears our compassion thin. When the troubles of others seem more than we can carry.”

Somebody said: Growing older is growing closer and becoming dearer to God; having a measure of peace, serenity, and tons of gratitude in our hearts. Let us always ask the Lord to give us that Easter perspective, that Easter heart and that Easter smile. To be an Easter Person today, tomorrow, or every day of our lives.

God measures success by our ability to forgive, our willingness to give, our treatment of others, how we live our lives, and the values we uphold - love and kindness for others.