YOU ARE WITNESSES TO THIS.

III EASTER SUNDAY - Luke 24:35-48

In his speech, Peter accused the people of Israel. They should know better since they are Israelites. They should know what the God of their ancestors - Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - spoke through the prophets “that his Christ would suffer”. He “carried out what he had foretold”. But they behaved as ignorant. They “killed the prince of life”, handing him over to Pilate, while demanding the release of a murderer. “God, however, raised him from the dead and glorified the same Jesus they had handed over to the Roman governor. Now, they must recognise their sin, “repent and turn to God” for their sins to be wiped out.

In a few words, Peter presents us with the nucleus of the Christian Gospel. Jesus is the Christ, who was rejected by his people and accepted suffering and death, offering his life in sacrifice. Then, God glorified and exalted him and in his name is preached the forgiveness of sins.

Peter presented himself and all his companions as witnesses of Christ, because they lived with him, learning with his teachings and seeing his miracles. They witnessed as well his passion and death. Finally, they experienced the presence of the Risen Christ: they encountered him, talking with him, touching him and eating with him. This Sunday’s gospel speaks of that. We know that the disciples were puzzled when they discovered the empty tomb. Who could have taken Jesus’ body? The rumour was spread that the disciples had stolen his body. It was a false rumour spread to discredit the resurrection. The angels announced the resurrection to the women, but the apostles could not believe it. When Jesus appeared, their hearts sunk in fear, thinking that they were before a ghost. Jesus had to reassure them: “Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And Jesus shared with them a meal. We may remember that the two disciples going to Emmaus recognised Jesus during the breaking of the bread, as Jesus sat at the table and shared a meal with them. This Sunday’s gospel presents two essential elements to make the experience of the risen Christ: the Scriptures and the meal (the Eucharist). “He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures”. The Word of God makes possible the understanding of the mystery of salvation and the mystery of Jesus Christ, that is of his passion, death and resurrection. The Scriptures lead us to faith in Jesus Christ. However, the Scriptures alone are not enough for us to recognise the living Christ. We need to sit with him at the table and share the food that he prepared for us. It is in the Eucharistic celebration that Christ opens our minds and hearts to accept him and to live for him. Then, we are called to become Jesus’ witnesses. In his name, we must proclaim that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations”. Jesus’ name is the only name in which we can be reconciled with God and find life and salvation.