PEACE BE WITH YOU

THURSDAY OF EASTER Universalis

‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts?'

Reading Acts 3:11-26 You killed the prince of life: God, however, raised him from the dead

Everyone came running towards Peter and John in great excitement, to the Portico of Solomon, as it is called, where the man was still clinging to Peter and John. When Peter saw the people he addressed them, ‘Why are you so surprised at this? Why are you staring at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or holiness? You are Israelites, and it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, who has glorified his servant Jesus, the same Jesus you handed over and then disowned in the presence of Pilate after Pilate had decided to release him. It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just One, you who demanded the reprieve of a murderer while you killed the prince of life. God, however, raised him from the dead, and to that fact we are the witnesses; and it is the name of Jesus which, through our faith in it, has brought back the strength of this man whom you see here and who is well known to you. It is faith in that name that has restored this man to health, as you can all see......

Gospel Luke 24:35-48 

It is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead

The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread.  CDR

They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes. 

Then he told them, ‘This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms has to be fulfilled.’ He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.’

Merciful Father thank you for your love and faithfulness. Covenant keeping God, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to redeem us. Be with me Father. Give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding to appreciate the mystery of Christ’s death and sacrifice. Come Holy Spirit my advocate, my counselor abide with me.

My Lord Jesus Christ most times I am afraid. Be with me in my agitation. Be with me in my state of alarm. Be with me in my doubts. Lord speak your word of peace to me. Touch me Lord. Give me joy in my communion with you. You are with me Lord; you are Emmanuel open my mind to understand the scriptures as I meditate upon your words daily. Make me appreciate the great price you paid for my redemption. In my struggle to obey your command Lord, may your Holy Spirit dwell in me to comfort me.

Lord Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God’s Holy Angels and Saints pray for me. My Guardian Angel pray for me. Protect me.

Pray the Holy Rosary: Hail Holy Queen. Hail Mary full of grace.