EASTER SUNDAY, The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
Also Read: Mass Readings for 17 April 2022 Homily for 17 April 2022 – Easter Sunday
First Reading: Acts 10: 34a, 37-43
Saved!
All the prophets testify about him (Jesus) that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. (v.43)
In reflecting on this passage today we must read the previous verses of this chapter. Peter’s vision describes how God intended to make the Good News known to everyone, Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 10:11-16) Therefore, we hear our first Pope speak those prophetic words of how the church is to show no partiality. There is a miraculous meeting with Cornelius to prove God’s hand in all that has begun to take shape in the nascent church at the time. (Acts 10:1-33)
“…but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (v.35) Here, Peter sets out the criteria for salvation. May we realize the great opportunity set before us and accept the invitation of the Lord.
Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Song of Victory
16 the right hand of the Lord is exalted;
the right hand of the Lord does valiantly.”
17 I shall not die, but I shall live,
and recount the deeds of the Lord.
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the chief cornerstone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes. Amen!
Second Reading: First Corinthians 5: 6b-8
New People!
8 Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
St. Paul is very clear in his directive here today. If we are a saved nation of believers, our honest attitude will be evident. Hence the slightest grain of malice in our heart, however rightful it may seem to us at that time, will only corrupt us. But we are a chosen people, a royal priesthood and adopted children of God, through Christ Jesus Our Lord!
Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 24: 13-35
Emmaus!
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. (15-16)
There are times in our lives when we may fail to recognize Jesus, especially in our darkest moments. The disciples were downcast and troubled, (…They stood still, looking sad.) (17) As Christ walked with them that evening, he empathized with them. He is also very near to us in our spirit. But we must be open to His promptings! Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. (27) We will find him near!
Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread. (35)
The Holy Eucharist is the most direct and preferred way God mingles with us. Through His physical presence in the Holy Host, we are renewed in spirit. Therefore come gladly and often to the banquet he sets before us. We must avoid all distractions and impediments on our way to church, literally and spiritually. May the Holy Spirit be our compass on this journey. May he bless us with true discernment in all aspects of our lives. Amen!
The Lord has risen indeed! Alleluia! Alleluia!
HAPPY EASTER!
