Thursday within the Octave of Easter

Readings of the day: RB 53:16-24

Mass: Ac 3:11-26; Resp Ps 8; Lk 24:35-38

THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE;

LET US REJOICE AND BE GLAD.

ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA.

The Prince of Peace stands in the midst of the disciples: ‘Peace be with you.’ One would think that would be enough to calm any troubled mind and heart. Yet the disciples were startled and terrified. They were troubled thinking they were seeing a ghost. Jesus tries again, ‘Look at my hands and feet. Touch me and see. I am flesh and bones.’ This is not enough. The disciples were still incredulous for joy and were amazed. Jesus tries again, “Have you anything to eat?’ The Master takes and eats in front of them. Finally, ‘Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.’ We have heard, seen, touched, watched; we eat the Bread of Life. Are we ready to live as ‘witnesses of these things’? Peace be with you.

The quest for interior peace is much more than the search for peace of mind. It is really about something else: opening ourselves to God’s actions. It’s important to understand a simple but spiritually important truth: the more we reach out toward peace, the more the grace of God is capable of acting in our lives. Like a tranquil lake perfectly reflects the sun, so is a peaceful heart receptive to the action and movement of the Spirit.

Remaining calm in the face of trouble, uneasiness, and interior disturbances is necessary in order for God to act in our lives. We can still grow in love, and our lives can have the fruitfulness we are called to have if we can accomplish this inward peace.

(J. Philippe)

O CHOSEN PEOPLE, PROCLAIM THE MIGHTY WORKS OF HIM WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS WONDERFUL LIGHT,

ALLELUIA.

(Communion Antiphon, Mass)

Go forward with the Joy of Jesus’ Resurrection, knowing He is always by your side.

(Pope Francis, Twitter, April 5, 2018)