GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 19TH APRIL 2017
EASTER WEDNESDAY
FIRST READING: Acts 3:1-10
PSALM: Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9
GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35
THEME: A BURNING HEART
Something happens internally and overflows externally after every true encounter with the risen Christ. Like a lighted candle in the dark, the risen Christ sets our hearts aflame and dispels every gloom that seeks to engulf us.
The Gospel text describes the initial mood of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus as one of “sadness” (cf. Lk. 24:17). However, after their encounter with Christ something happened to them — “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Lk. 24:32). The effect of that experience was that “they set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions…Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.” (Lk. 24:33 & 35).
The fearful Peter who denied his master three times during the passion of Christ is also seen in a different light in the First Reading. As he looked intently at the cripple from birth, he was fully convinced that the sick man could walk again because of Jesus. “In the name of Jesus”, he declared, “rise up and walk.” And it happened. The cripple jumped up, stood and walked into the temple praising God. The power of the resurrection had definately transformed Peter and made him a man full of faith and boldness in the Lord.
The risen Christ is still setting hearts aflame and transforming lives. He walks with us as he did with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. As we listen to him, wholeheartedly, he sets our hearts aflame and makes us witnesses of his resurrection. As witnesses of the resurrection, we too, like Peter, receive divine ability to exercise authority over every difficult situation and make things happen. Yes Jesus is alive and in him, we too are alive with a heart burning with the flame of faith.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, set my heart on fire and send me forth as your witness. Amen
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen)