The Eucharist is a true place of encounter with Jesus (HOMILY FOR WEDNESDAY OF THE OCTAVE OF EASTER APRIL 2023

Homily for Easter Wednesday

Acts 3:1-10. Psalm 105:1-2,3-4,6-6,8-9. Luke 24:13-35.

We have in the first reading the miracle of the lame man from birth. This miracle was performed by Peter and John in the name of the Risen Lord. Peter and John were on their way to the temple at the hour of prayer (Acts 3:1) to go and pray.

In going to pray, they were already disposed to encounter God. No wonder, when the lame man asked for alms, Peter simply 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" (Acts 3:6). And the lame man walked and leapt and praised God.

Are we faithful to our time of prayers, especially as priests and religious? Let us make conscious effort daily to be committed to our prayers, especially at the time of those prayers.

Jesus again appeared to two of his disciples in today's Gospel on their way to Emmaus. He walked along with them, but they did not recognise him because they were downcast as a result of his death. They were completely disillusioned, and they felt hopeless because the one they had hoped in as the Messiah was no more. Hence, they referred to the Risen Lord has one who existed in the past, not knowing that He is with them.

Jesus, while accompanying them, explained the Scriptures to them and helped them to understand the Scriptures and rekindled their faith and hope. In explaining the Scriptures to them, their hearts were burning. They eventually recognised him at the breaking of bread.

What happened between Jesus and these two disciples on their way to Emmaus is what is reflected when we have a relationship with Jesus, especially during the celebration of the Holy Mass. At Mass, we begin with the liturgy of God's word, which prepares us for the liturgy of the Eucharist.

At Mass, when we listen to the Scriptures attentively, God warms our hearts with divine inspirations, which will come to a climax during the liturgy of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a true place of encounter with Jesus only for those who disposed themselves. When truly disposed at the celebration of the Mass, we truly reap the spiritual fruits of the Mass.

May God grant the graces to be truly disposed at the celebration of the Mass to reap the fruits of the Eucharist through Christ our Lord. Amen