Readings: Acts 3:1-10, Ps. 105:1-4,6-9, Luke 24:13-35
“Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and raised him, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.” (Acts 3:6-7)
Today, we read about the two disciples who angrily left Jerusalem and were heading to Emmaus on Easter Sunday. They met Jesus on the way but could not recognise him. Jesus asked why they were unhappy, and they said, “We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel.” (Luke 24:21). They had hoped that Jesus had come to overthrow the Roman authorities and become King of Israel.
Jesus said to them, “O foolish men…” The truth is that, even today, many still expect the church to replace the government. In Jesus’ words, such expectation is foolish because just as Jesus did not become man to struggle for earthly power, the church has something more precious to offer humanity than silver and gold. This brings us to today’s lessons:
1. Jesus died to restore us to God, not merely to Put Food on Our Table: Although Jesus worked many miracles demonstrating his concern for our material well-being and physical health, He was more concerned about eternal life. Jesus said to the woman at the well, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14) Similarly, to those who wanted Jesus to repeat the miracle of the loaves, He said: “Do not labour for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life.” (John 6:27).
2. Ask God’s Ministers for Prayer; Not for Alms: Like the lame man who asked for alms, we would always be disappointed with the church until we realised that Jesus did not establish the church to replace the government. Learn to stop asking your priests for things the government can provide. The church never said we shouldn’t fight for our rights, but we must remember that the church is not an arm of the government. One day, a young man met Jesus and said, “Teacher, bid my brother divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus answered: “Man, who made me a judge or divider over you?” (Luke 12:13-14) Like this man, we often pray to God for silver and gold rather than for imperishable food. Rather than ask for silver and gold, let us ask for a deeper faith, holiness, repentance, and a better relationship with God.
3. Prayer is More Than Silver and Gold: By healing the lame man, Peter gave him something beyond silver and gold; healing from paralysis. This man would no longer need to be carried from place to place. He would provide for himself. Value spiritual wealth over financial riches. You may not have all the money you crave, but as long as you have God, you have everything.
4. Studying the Bible Gives Meaning to Our Lives: As Jesus spoke to the two disciples, their hearts burned within them. Studying God’s Word is therapy; understanding the scriptures heals us physically and psychologically. Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, Jesus explained to them why the Messiah needed to suffer and die on the cross. When they got to the town, they did not want Jesus to go because they wanted more. They urged Jesus to stay with them. At the breaking of the bread (during prayer), the two disciples’ eyes were opened. When they recognised Jesus, the disciples who had left Jerusalem in disappointment ran back singing: “You take the whole world, and give me Jesus. You take the whole world and give me Jesus; you take the whole world and give me Jesus. I’m satisfied; I’m satisfied.”
Let us pray: O God, who gladden us year by year with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection, graciously grant that, by celebrating these present festivities, we may merit through them to reach eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Easter Wednesday, Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Acts 3:1-10, Ps. 105:1-4,6-9, Luke 24:13-35)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu