3rd Sunday of Easter (a)
This Week’s Liturgy Calendar.
Easter Season.
Sunday 4th May: 3rd Sunday of Easter (a)
In this Easter season, we continue to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. The readings today provide further proof that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead. They remind us how his first followers were strengthened in their faith, becoming enthusiastic witnesses to the risen Lord.
Peter, speaking in the first reading, affirms the divinity of Jesus and tells the other apostles that what they have seen and heard is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In the second reading, he teaches that humanity is redeemed by the death and resurrection of Jesus. He urges the newly formed Christian communities to place its faith and hope in God.
A stranger joins the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They only recognise Jesus when he breaks bread with them.
Monday 5th May: Monday in third week of Easter.
Today, two unrelated scripture texts run parallel- the martyrdom of St. Stephen, presented as an imitation of the martyrdom of Jesus and the great Eucharistic dialogue from St. John’s Gospel following on the multiplication of the loaves.
Jesus challenges us with the most basic of all questions, “Why are you looking for me?” Is it merely for what we can get or are we looking for Jesus himself, for what he means in our lives?
Tuesday 6th May: Tuesday in third week of Easter.
St. Stephen and the persecuted Christians of the early Church relive the passion of Jesus. They suffer not only for Christ but also with him and like him. They are also sure that death does not have final say. They will live on with the risen Christ.
We are sustained in that journey by the true bread from heaven, Jesus. We too should hunger for him and say ‘Give us this bread always.’
Wednesday 7th May: Wednesday in third week of Easter.
The enthusiasm of the young church is so contagious that, even in persecution, Christians use the occasion of persecution itself to preach the risen Christ. It reminds us that God does not abandon us, even in moments of difficulty and trial.
There is also great joy in the Gospel where we hear Jesus say that he is our bread of life. His word and message are for us real bread of life, something to live by and to live for.
Thursday 8th May: Thursday in third week of Easter.
St. Luke, in the Acts reading, presents the conversion of the treasurer of the Queen of Ethiopia very much in parallel to the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. He had the scriptures explained to him and as a result asks to be baptised.
In the Gospel, Christ speaks again of himself as the bread of life to be accepted in faith and promises to give himself in the Eucharist as for the life of the world and for eternal life.
Friday 9th May: Friday in third week of Easter.
We hear of the conversion of Paul. Jesus identifies himself with his persecuted disciples and from this meeting Paul will serve the Lord totally.
Each time we come forward to receive Holy Communion, we encounter Christ. May it deepen our faith and enrich our commitment to following him in our daily lives.
Saturday 10th May: Saturday in third week of Easter.
Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Peter continues the mission of Jesus. He speaks, he heals, he raises people to life.
By now, some are turning away from Jesus because they had expected a different kind of Messiah. Some who remain are still not fully convinced so Jesus confronts them. Peter makes the great act of faith. ‘To whom shall we go? You have message of eternal life.’
Alleluia, alleluia
He is risen as he said
Alleluia.
