EASTER WEEK III [Yr. A] (April 19, 2026) Acts 2:14, 22-33 1 Pt 1:17-21, Lk 24:13-35. By: Rev. Fr. Clifford Atta Anim.

The Risen Lord Walks With Us

Today’s readings carry a deeply consoling message: the risen Jesus is never absent from our lives. No matter the confusion, disappointment, or suffering we face, the Lord is near to those who seek Him and desire to live according to His will. The Resurrection is not only an event of the past, it is a living reality that continues to shape our present.

Scripture Lessons

In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, Peter stands before the people and boldly proclaims the Resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:14, 22–33). This is the first public preaching of the Church. Peter explains that God raised Jesus from the dead, fulfilling the promises made to David. He quotes the Psalm: “You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor let your Holy One see corruption” (Psalm 16:10). What seemed like defeat on Good Friday is revealed as victory. God has vindicated Jesus and confirmed Him as Lord and Messiah.

This proclamation echoes earlier promises in Scripture. The prophets had already foretold that God would not abandon His faithful one (Isaiah 53:10–11). Jesus Himself had predicted His Resurrection (Mark 8:31). Now, through Peter, the Church announces that these promises have been fulfilled.

The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of trust: “You will show me the path of life” (Psalm 16:11). The Psalm expresses confidence that God’s presence leads to fullness of joy, even beyond death.

In the second reading, Peter reminds believers that they have been redeemed not by perishable things, but by the precious Blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18–21). Their faith and hope are grounded in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. This hope is not abstract. It is anchored in a living relationship with the risen Lord.

The Gospel presents the moving story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). These disciples are leaving Jerusalem discouraged and confused. Their hopes had been shattered by the crucifixion. Yet, as they walk, Jesus Himself draws near, though they do not recognize Him.

He listens to their story, interprets the Scriptures for them, and gradually rekindles their faith. Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explains how the Messiah had to suffer before entering into glory (Luke 24:27). Their hearts begin to burn within them as they hear the Word.

The turning point comes at the table. “He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them” (Luke 24:30). In that moment, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. Immediately, they return to Jerusalem to share the Good News.

This pattern, Word and Eucharist, remains the structure of every Mass. Christ speaks to us in Scripture, and He reveals Himself fully in the Eucharist.

Life Messages

1. Jesus meets us on our own Emmaus road

Like the disciples, we all experience moments of disappointment, confusion, and broken hopes. We may struggle with illness, family challenges, financial burdens, or spiritual dryness. At times, we may feel as though God is absent.

But the Emmaus story assures us that Jesus walks with us even when we do not recognize Him. He meets us in our doubts, listens to our struggles, and gently leads us back to faith. Often, He comes in unexpected ways, through a conversation, a Scripture passage, a moment of prayer, or the kindness of another person. These are our Emmaus moments, moments when the risen Lord draws near and renews our hope.

2. We encounter Jesus daily through Word and Sacrament

The Church teaches us that the risen Christ is present to us in multiple ways. We hear Him in Scripture, where His Word speaks to our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). We meet Him most fully in the Eucharist, where He gives Himself as our spiritual food and drink (Luke 22:19–20; John 6:51). We encounter Him in prayer, where we speak with Him personally (Matthew 6:6). We also meet Him in others, especially in the poor and suffering (Matthew 25:40).

Each of these encounters deepens our relationship with Christ. When we participate actively in the Mass, meditate on Scripture, and live a life of prayer, our faith is strengthened, and we become more aware of His presence in our daily lives.

3. Do our hearts burn when we hear God’s Word?

The disciples said, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He spoke to us on the way?” (Luke 24:32). This is a question for each of us. Do we listen to Scripture with openness and desire, or do we approach it with indifference?

God’s Word is living and powerful. It enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and transforms the heart. The Church teaches that Christ is truly present in His Word, just as He is present in the Eucharist. Therefore, we are called to read, study, meditate, and live the Scriptures daily.

Other biblical figures also experienced this transformative encounter with God’s Word. The prophet Jeremiah said, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart” (Jeremiah 15:16). The Psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Conclusion

The message of today’s readings is simple yet profound: the risen Jesus is with us always. He walks with us in our struggles, speaks to us through His Word, nourishes us in the Eucharist, and reveals Himself in the community of believers.

Like the disciples of Emmaus, we are called not only to recognize Him but also to share Him. Once they encountered the risen Lord, they could not remain silent. They returned immediately to proclaim the Good News.

May our hearts burn within us as we listen to His Word. May our eyes be opened in the Eucharist. And may our lives become a witness to the presence of the risen Christ in the world. God bless you.