One of the many joys of the Easter season is having the opportunity to re-read the accounts of the times that Jesus appeared to his disciples after the Resurrection. These accounts are more than just nice stories: They are reminders to us that Jesus truly rose from the dead. His death was not a sham, and he is not just a ghost, appearing to his disciples. He is truly standing before them, fully human, and fully alive.
We see this reality present in a profound way in the Gospel of St. Luke. As Luke recounts Jesus’ appearance to the disciples, he shows these appearances as much more than just a momentary event. Jesus travels with two of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and even breaks bread with them. After those two disciples return to Jerusalem, Jesus appears again in their midst. This is where our Gospel picks up today. Jesus encourages the disciples, and opens their minds to understand the significance of the resurrection, just as he did for the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Jesus then instructs the disciples that they are to be witnesses of these things that have taken place. Our first reading today shows St. Peter doing just that. In just a few short verses, St. Peter relates the events of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and explains the significance of these events to the crowds. He tells them that Jesus died for the forgiveness of sins, and that all who repent and are converted will have their sins wiped away.
This Gospel passage is a reminder to us that we are called to participate in this same mission. All of us are called to give witness to the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and to proclaim the salvation that comes in His name. If we are honest with ourselves, though, many of us find that it is difficult to give witness to the resurrection. We feel like we don’t know where to begin, or what words to use. We might even worry that we won’t get things “exactly right”, and so we feel that it is better to just say nothing at all.
The disciples in the early church no doubt felt the same way. In fact, it was only through the gift of the Holy Spirit that the disciples received the strength to proclaim the Good News. This serves as powerful reminder for us that when we struggle to proclaim the Good News, we can call upon the Holy Spirit, which we all received in Baptism, to help us to give witness to the good things that God has done for us. May God continue to strengthen us to be witnesses of his resurrection, as we continue to rejoice in the joy of this Easter Season.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB