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3rd Sunday of Easter 2014

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Easter is about revelation! On Easter Sunday we revealed that the tomb was found empty. Last week Jesus revealed himself to the Apostles in the upper room, reminding us that “Blessed are those who have not seen, but still believe.” This Third Sunday of Easter, Jesus is revealed through the breaking of the Bread.

The Word for the 3rd Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14, 22-33
Psalm 16:2, 5, 7-11
1 Peter 1:17-21
Luke 24:13-35

In our first reading from Acts of the Apostles we have Peter standing before all of Jerusalem giving witness to who Jesus was and what happened there. Not only is this meant to remind those who witnessed these events, but it provides those of us who were not there (and Luke’s primarily Gentile audience) the understanding that this messiah was in fact killed by his own people, but through that act it was also their greatest king, David, and the many other prophets who followed, who prophesied his coming.  Our Psalm takes up this theme, reminding us that the Lord will show us the right path... that the prophecy was true.

Our second reading, continuing our study of 1st Peter, continues this idea of prophecy, but adds a reminder of how we also need to be humbled by what Christ did for us… that our conduct, especially outside of the community, must be representative of how we want to be seen by the Father.

Our Gospel from Luke is a church favorite… Jesus’ appearance to Cleopas and another disciple as they were traveling to the town of Emmaus. These two disciples, like many others who came to follow Jesus, are now lost and bewildered after having been witness to his passion and death.  They thought they had found their deliverer, only to have their hopes dashed on a cross. Jesus joins these men on the road, although they do not recognize him, and the talk about the events they just experienced. During their journey Jesus reveals to them those prophesies in scripture that foretold of the Messiah. When they reach Emmaus, the men ask Jesus to join them for a meal, during which Jesus says the blessing and breaks bread with them. Through that action, at that moment, they see Jesus for who he is. Once they recognize Jesus, he vanishes from their sight, and having been astonished at what they experienced, rush back to Jerusalem to recount their experience to the Apostles (who themselves have just experienced a visit with the risen Jesus).

It was through the breaking of the bread that Jesus was revealed to those two disciples, and it is in that same breaking of the bread that Jesus is revealed to us today.

Catholic Update
Real Presence in the Eucharist
The Real Presence:  Jesus’ Gift to the Church
Messengers of God’s Mercy:  Saints John XXXIII and John Paul II

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