Third Sunday of Easter :B: April 18, 2021

                    PEACE BE TO YOU

First Reading: Acts 3: 13-15 and 17-19

Second Reading: 1 John 2: 1-5

Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 35-46

   *First reading is from Acts of the Apostles. St. Peter addresses  the people of Jerusalem. He openly tells them that they have done a terrible crime and a very grave sin by killing Jesus, the author of life. However since they have done it out of ignorance it is time to repent and receive the forgiveness of God.

   *Second reading is from the first letter of St. John. John tells us that Jesus is the advocate with the Father. Hence, anyone loves Jesus and keeps His commandments, the love of God is perfected in him/her.

The appearance of the risen Lord to the disciples                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. After the crucifixion and death of Jesus, the dreams  and aspirations of His disciples lay shattered. Their world fell apart. Their immediate reaction was to cut themselves off from the hostile world and live behind closed doors. But Jesus the Good Shepherd did not leave them in their pain and misery. He appeared to them and gave them the assurance of His presence. 'Peace be with you!' was His words of comfort. After meeting the risen Lord their hopes revived. They realized that through the sufferings and His shameful death on the cross Jesus attained His glory. The risen Lord showed them His wounds. It took some time for the disciples to realize the implications and the meaning to sink in. Their broken bond with the Lord was mended. Once again they became courageous and  powerful witnesses of the Lord.                                                                                                    The peace of the risen Lord released the disciples from their shame, guilt, fears and worries. This gift of Jesus gradually transformed them to be courageous in witnessing to Him and even to die for Him. For us too the resurrection of Jesus is not something of the past but should become a  present reality. The risen Lord enters through our closed doors too. He brings peace into our disturbed lives. He calms our fears and restlessness. He brings us hope and light.                   Let our prayer be: Risen Lord, help us to believe that you are always with us. 

"Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without." - Buddha.

"Peace begins with a smile." -St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.