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Our Sunday Reflection - April 14, 2024
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"Lord, let your face shine on us."
Psalm 4
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
During the Easter season, we hear how the disciples encounter the Risen Christ at different times and in different ways, all the while trying to understand the meaning of the Resurrection. We too contemplate the implications of the Resurrection and consider how we see the Risen Lord in our lives. It helps us to gather as Church, where we can seek the presence of Christ as we worship: in the assembly, in its ministers, in the word of God, in the Holy Sacrifice, and in the Eucharist. Let us pray that we may better discern the Lord in our midst.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
“We are witnesses,” Peter says to the crowds, referring to the Risen Lord. We heard him preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins. We know he died for us on the cross. We have seen him glorified by our God. We give witness by keeping his commandments. Luke narrates one of the Risen Lord’s appearances to the disciples, in which he calls them witnesses to his resurrection. Assured of his continuing presence, we too are able to sing, “Lord, let your face shine on us.”Reflections
- The eleven remaining apostles had just been told that Jesus had appeared to two disciples on their way to Emmaus, had walked with them, spoken with them, and eventually sat down at their table and broken bread with them. Yet, they are troubled and in fact terrified when moments later he appears to them. It is startling whenever the risen Lord appears to his disciples. Though filled with joy, they are incredulous. They wonder if he’s a ghost. It takes some time for them to understand and accept that it is really him in the flesh and that he really did rise from the dead. We are those disciples now, often surprised and incredulous when we encounter him. May our understanding that the Lord can make himself known in many ways help us recognize his presence.
- It is likely that the disciples are also troubled by guilt and grief. They had abandoned him after the Last Supper. Then they are told that he had been put to death and was already buried. Not only have they lost their friend and mentor, but their entire mission appears lost. In this passage, we see that Jesus comes to them when they are troubled. Last Sunday, in John’s Gospel, we heard Jesus come to Thomas when he had doubts. So it is that Jesus comes to us when we have doubts or are troubled. And his first words each time? “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36, John 20:19). Even now, he offers peace to our troubled hearts.
- After offering them peace, Jesus calls upon the disciples to extend his peace to all the world. How? By preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins. True repentance brings forgiveness, which can give us peace in our hearts. This is what Peter preaches in the first reading. This is what we’re called to bear witness to as well.
Question of the Week
How do I sense Jesus’ presence in my life? When do I feel a sense of peace in my heart?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, April 14, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, April 14, 2024
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Offerings
The Sunday offerings are a portion of our blessings that we give to God (Church) in gratitude to what God has done for us...ONLINE GIVING OPTIONS -
Reflections on the readings
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