REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 4TH APRIL 2024

REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER 4TH APRIL 2024

Acts 3:11-26; Luke 24:35-48

The Resurrection discards Fear

Since Jesus’ resurrection, his appearance has only been to individuals. Today, he makes his first appearance in the company of the disciples. Like the appearance to the individuals, this too was greeted with no expectation. As close as the disciples were to Jesus, as privileged as they were to certain information and teachings from Jesus, they did not expect that Jesus will rise from the grave. Yet here was Jesus before them. The only explanation they could proffer to His appearance was that it was Jesus’ ghost.

No matter how loved a person maybe, after death, the appearance of the ghost will always attract fear. Infact, it is often believed that ghosts appear to avenge their death. The disciples of Jesus are not entirely innocent of Jesus death; at least, they were guilty of abandoning him when he needed them most. Thus, they had reason to fear the presence of his “ghost”.

Jesus took appropriate and convincing measures to assure them that he was not a ghost. If he is not a ghost, then there is no need to fear that he has come with wrath. He showed his wounded hands and legs; he ate in their midst. These are attributes of flesh; a spirit cannot do such. Since Jesus is not a ghost, then there is no other explanation for his appearance than Resurrection. If the disciples are convinced that Jesus resurrected, then they will be able to convincingly speak about it to the world. Thus Jesus later said to them: “Now you shall be witnesses to this”.

In the midst of life's challenges, if we like the disciples, dare to remain with the Lord and seek his face like never before, we too will hear him discard our fears by saying to us: “Peace be with you”.

It may seem difficult to understand that God is all knowing, all loving and all powerful in the face of evil. It was likewise difficult for the disciples during Jesus’ passion and death. Nevertheless, like the disciples, our world will experience the power of the resurrection in the most unexpected manner. When this happens, let us not forget what Jesus will be saying to us: “Now you shall be witnesses to this”. Jesus will never ask us to witness to something we have not experienced ourselves. So, I say to us today: “We shall be witnesses to the healing and saving power of Jesus”.