+ On this Thursday within the Octave of Easter we see two more interrelated readings, one
having to do with Pentecost events,
and one with the Easter activities of Jesus.
In
the first reading we see how the Apostle Peter, in the company
of John began to preach to the Jews gathered in Solomon’s Portico of the Temple
– who witnessed the curing of the crippled man. They were quick to explain to
them that they – Peter and John – did not cure the man – but Jesus, the one who was put to death, but
then raised again by God – had cured the man using them as his instruments.
Faith
in this God has given this man strength and perfect health!
In the presence of such a
display of God’s power and indeed the risen Christ himself, Peter then exhorts
the Jews to repent and likewise believe
in Jesus – who has indeed fulfilled all the prophecies about a coming
Messiah and Lord – and be saved – so that all the offspring of all the
families of the earth shall be blessed!
In
the gospel passage we see Jesus making his second resurrection
appearance (the first being the night of Easter when he came to the Apostles in
the upper room). The ones who were discussing what had happened to them on the
road to Emmaus got a surprise visit by Jesus: he suddenly appeared in their
midst – saying to them - “Peace be with you!” They were afraid and thought they were seeing a ghost – but Jesus said,
ghosts do not have flesh and bones as I do! It is me! I am back! Do you have anything to eat? He said
this to further prove that it was really him and no ghost – although he was now
in “risen state,” – a state of enhanced humanity that those who believe in him
would share in! And he ate fish with
them!
Then he told them, as he told
the Apostles he will send out on Pentecost: thus
it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third
day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his
name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Then he tells them: you are witnesses of these things:
therefore, you go and tell everyone about it!
Alleluia!
This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad and rejoice in it!
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