First Reading (Acts 3:13-15, 17-19). Peter boldly
proclaims the God News: an early explanation of the
Passion and an example of the early witness to the
resurrection.
Second Reading (1 John 2:1-5). We show that we know
God by keeping his commandments. When we fall, Christ
intercedes for us with the Father.
Gospel (Luke 24:35-48). Jesus appears to the apostles, and
commissions them to preach the Gospel to all nations.
Reflection. In the First Reading Peter shows great courage when he
confronts the people with their part in the death of Jesus.
He urges them to repent, assuring them that if they do,
their sins will be forgiven.
In the Second Reading John says that authentic love is
proved by obedience to the commandments. Anticipating
that the Christian will sin, he reminds us that we have in
Jesus an advocate who will plead our cause.
In the Gospel we find the apostles gathered behind closed
doors, wounded in heart and in spirit. Jesus appears to
them, gives them his peace, and breathes new life into
them. He does the same for us.
Luke’s primary interest is to show that
the risen Jesus is the same person the
apostles had known prior to the
crucifixion. He emphasises the reality of
Jesus’ bodily resurrection, but makes it
clear that the resurrection is not a
resuscitated earthly life – Jesus has risen,
to a new life beyond death.
One theme occurs in all three readings:
forgiveness is available to those who
repent and believe in Jesus as their Saviour.