Christ Illuminates Us: Acts 3:13-15,17-19; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; Lk 24:35-48 (B Easter 3)

 

Christ Illuminates Us

Acts 3:13-15,17-19; 1 Jn 2:1-5a; Lk 24:35-48 (B Easter 3)

“No one may share the Eucharist with us unless he believes …as if it were ordinary food and drink” (DO) 

On this third Sunday of Easter, the Gospel of Luke reports Jesus’s appearance to his disciples on the road to Emmaus and the Church invites us to celebrate the living Christ. Ignorance and doubt keep us in fear and darkness, but Christ illumines and strengthens our faith. Today’s readings speak of the relationship between ignorance and faith. Peter observed the ignorance of the Jewish leaders. That’s why he addressed them: “It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just…Now brothers, I know that neither you nor your leaders had an idea of what you were doing.”

The Jews waited for the fulfillment of God’s promises. And when that God came, they ignorantly rejected him. That’s why the evangelist John also writes: “Anyone who says I know him and does not keep his commandments is a lair refusing to admit the truth.” Ignorance of God’s command leaves such people with a false impression that they know the truth. But “the time of ignorance is over” (Acts 17, 30-31). It is over through the risen Christ, our advocate. Therefore, we must continuously seek divine counsel and illumination from Christ, our advocate. Most importantly, we must continually repent and receive forgiveness. John the evangelist assures us today that “We have an advocate before the Father who is Just, he is the sacrifice that takes our sins away.”

Christ continues to strengthen his disciples’ faith by illuminating their minds with the scriptures. Even though they heard him preach and saw his miracles, they were ignorant of what the scriptures said about Him. St Jerome reminds us that: “Ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ.” Ignorance of God’s word and commandments is a major stumbling block to faith. Jesus knew this, so, “He opened their minds to scriptures…you see how it was written…” Hence, Paul always prayed: “May the Lord open the eyes of your minds” (Ep1:18). Indeed, our minds need the illumination from the light and glory of the risen Christ. 

Even though, the apostles did not manifest their doubt publicly. Jesus performed everything humanly possible to convince them. Christ visited them, ate, and drank with them. He even allowed them to touch his wounds. How many of us attend Sunday Masses, and yet, do not believe in the Eucharist? How many Christians, yet do not believe in the resurrection of the dead? How many Catholics receive the sacrament of confession and do not believe in the forgiveness of sin? How many Christians, do not believe that Jesus is true God and true man? How many Christians still do not believe that Christ was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit? These are different shades of doubt. We manifest them differently. May the risen Christ illuminate our minds that we may believe in him. Alleluia. 

“Jesus instituted the sacrament of his body and blood as a memorial of his death, alleluia” (DO)