A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 24:35-48
The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, "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. You are witnesses of these things."
REFLECTIONS: "Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures."
God hears our thoughts. How many people work long hours, care for their elderly parents, work split shifts to make ends meet that don't have the convenience or the luxury of going to daily masses, adoration, prayer services or bible studies?They are good people who never turn away from the holy life. Their actions do not betray the goodness in their hearts. They are constantly praising God in that what they do is pleasing to God. The way to glory, to heaven is through the cross. Jesus has just shown us how to carry our crosses this Lenten season. And now in Easter we can celebrate the risen Lord with great joy.
In today's gospel, Jesus appeared to the disciples. The apostles had the facts there in front of them--the hands and feet of the resurrected Jesus. The cornerstone of the foundation of the Church is the Risen Lord. It is in these wounds that we will find the peace and rest that we seek.
With Jesus' tender voice, we are led to the Scriptures. Through His grace, given to any that ask, we are able to know Him. Jesus has allowed Himself to remain with us here on earth, present at the consecration during Mass and present in the tabernacle. We can talk with Him at any time and visit with Him at anytime. We tell Him all --our worries, desires, our joys, our gratitude, our fears and our dreams. Sometimes words are not necessary--because Jesus' ears can hear our thoughts.
Read of our Lord in the Bible. Visit our Lord in the tabernacle. May our priests encourage perpetual adoration.
God bless
