The Encounter with the Risen Christ

 Reflection on Today’s Readings, Wednesday of Easter Octave, April 20th, 2022
Texts: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105: 1-4.4.6-9; Luke 24: 13-35
The encounter with the risen Christ revives humanity. This is clear in today’s gospel reading. The disciples of Jesus Christ was already scandalised and disappointed with the crucifixion of their master. The two disciples, in today’s gospel reading, took the news of resurrection as a rumours, so they were returning to their town, Emmaus. On their way Jesus joined them in their conversation and enlightened them on the mystery of the cross and the truth of resurrection. All the while they did not know that it was Jesus who had been teaching them until He revealed Himself at the breaking of the bread. The risen Christ journeys with us in different forms unknown to us. He speaks to us in our conscience; He speaks to us in our parents; He speaks to us in our spiritual leaders; He speaks to us in our friends; He could also speak to us through events and circumstances in life. Today’s gospel reading also reminds us that at every Holy Mass Jesus reveals to us.
After the two disciples encountered the risen Christ their hope and faith were revived and brought back to life. This manifested in their return to Jerusalem. In today’s first reading, Peter and John made a lame man to walk by the power of the risen Christ. They said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” The lame man encountered Jesus in his healing. The encounter with the risen Christ makes us whole, revives our faith and hope. 

The gospel reading also reminds us that the resurrection of Christ restores us to our lost glory and relationship with God. We see this in the return of the two disciples to Jerusalem. With resurrection we are returned to the state of the garden of Eden where we enjoy communion with God and with one another. 

O God, who gladden us year by year with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection, graciously grant, that by celebrating these present festivities, we may merit through them to reach eternal joys.  

Fr. Andrew  Olowomuke