Sunday ReadingsCommentary and Reflections

3rd Sunday of Easter BApril 19, 2015

In preparation for this Sunday’s liturgy As aid in focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielito R. Almazan, OFM

1st reading: Acts 3,13-15.17-19 Peter said to the people,13 “The God of Abraham, the

God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate's presence, when he had decided to release him. 14 You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.

17 Now I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did; 18 but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.”

The reading is centered on the resurrected Jesus.

1st reading: Acts 3,13-15.17-19 Peter said to the people, 13

“The God of Abraham, (the God) of Isaac, and (the God) of Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in Pilate's presence, when he had decided to release him. 14 You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 The author of life you put to death, but God raised him from the dead; of this we are witnesses.

17 Now I know, brothers, that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did; 18 but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away.”

CommentaryThe text revolves around the resurrected Jesus.

Who is the resurrected Jesus here? Servant of God (of Abraham, Isaac, and

Jacob) v.13 The Holy and Righteous One v.14 The author of life v.15 Risen from the dead v.15 The Messiah of God v.18

This text is a part of the sermon of Peter after the resurrection.

In this sermon (kerygma), Peter makes contrasts between the actions of the people and the actions of God upon this man Jesus.

People handed him over / denied him but God glorified him. (Mabuti pa si Pilato, he wanted to release him) v.13 (but you released the murderer, wrong choice!)

People put him to death, but God raised him to life.v.15

1st reading: Acts 3,13-15.17-19 17 Now I know, brothers,

that you acted out of ignorance, just as your leaders did; 18 but God has thus brought to fulfillment what he had announced beforehand through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away,

Peter tries to mitigate the negative acts of the people: they acted out of ignorance, like the leaders. V.17

In contrast, God has fulfilled his promise, announced of old. V.18

The last line is significant. It is the bottom line of the preaching of the apostles.

Peter challenges the listeners to repent for the forgiveness of their sins. V.19

Reflections on the 1st reading God refuses to be outdone. He overturns the evil schemes of the people. It is useless to be sinful. We may enjoy our sins for a time, victimizing

other people, but remember, God takes the side of the aggrieved.

We, sinners, should now respond to the call for repentance, meaning, we should stop doing our foolishness.

We should stop playing games with God and his people.

Do you still know how to repent, make amends?

Resp. Ps. 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Ps R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.or: Alleluia.

2 When I call, answer me, O my just God,you who relieve me when I am in distress;have pity on me, and hear my prayer!

4 Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.

7 O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!8 You put gladness into my heart.

9 As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep,for you alone, O LORD,bring security to my dwelling.

Resp. Ps. 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9 Ps R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine

on us. or: Alleluia.

2 When I call, answer me, O my just God,you who relieve me when I am in distress;have pity on me, and hear my prayer!

4 Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.

7 O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!8 You put gladness into my heart.

9 As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep,for you alone, O LORD,bring security to my dwelling.

Commentary The psalm is classified as an

individual lament. It is a prayer of a distressed

person asking God for help. V.2

V.4 shows confidence in God who listens to our prayers.

In vv.7-8, the psalmist asks God for joy.

In v.9, the psalmist hopes to quickly get a peaceful sleep and security.

Reflections on the Psalm

Like the psalmist, we can lament. We lament because we face a lot of troubles. But when lamenting, we must recognize the

power of God. We are not hopeless in the eyes of God.

He can help us reverse our miseries. Do you know how to pray? Pray the Psalms in the Breviary. Pray the Christian Prayer. Do you know these

prayers?

2nd reading: 1 John 2,1-5a 1 My children, I am writing this to you so that you

may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. 3 The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says, "I know him," but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

The reading centers on not sinning.

2nd reading: 1 John 2,1-5aNot sinning 1 My children, I am writing this to you so that you may

not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

Knowledge of God 3 The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep

his commandments. 4 Whoever says, "I know him," but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him.

A simple outline!

2nd reading: 1 John 2,1-5a

1 My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. 2 He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

Commentary: The author expresses his

purpose in writing: that we may not commit sin. v.1

The author also gives hope to the sinner by saying: Jesus Christ is an advocate with

the Father. v.1.

Again, in the reading, we find the big role of Jesus in our salvation from sin. He is the expiation… v.2 for all

sinners…

3 The way we may be sure that we know him is to keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says, "I know him," but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps his word, the love of God is truly perfected in him. This is the way we may know that we are in union with him:

V.3 is about knowing God. We know him only by keeping

his commandments. Knowledge of God is tied down

to keeping God’s commandments.

V.4 brands as liars those who claim to know God, yet, do not keep his commands.

V.5 comments that whoever keeps God’s word will possess the perfected love of God. We will not ask for more.

V.5a mentions the process by which we may know we are with God: by keeping his word

Reflections on the 2nd reading Somehow we have lost the sense of sin. Let us be reminded that there is such a thing

as sin. Sin is not keeping God’s commands. Sin is living autonomously away from God. Sin is living according to our own rules. When you are in sin, you don’t really know

who God is.

Gospel reading: Lk 24,35-48Disciples from Emmaus and their story about Jesus’ appearance 35 The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made

known to them in the breaking of the bread. Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in Jerusalem and proves his existence in the real

world by:1) Asking to touch him 36 While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them,

"Peace be with you." 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." 40 And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

2) Asking for a fish and eating it 41 While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you

anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of baked fish; 43 he took it and ate it in front of them.

Jesus’ words and interpretation 44 He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you,

that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. 46 And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

A simple outline!

Gospel reading: Lk 24,35-48

Disciples from Emmaus and their story about Jesus’ appearance

35 The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in Jerusalem and proves his existence in the real world by:

Commentary Background: The two disciples

going to Emmaus return to Jerusalem after Jesus appears to them.

In v.35, the two tell the story of their journey to Emmaus and their meal in that place.

It reminds us of Jesus accompanying them in their confusion and sadness and enlightening them by interpreting the Old Testament and by the breaking of the bread (a replay of the Last Supper).

Gospel reading: Lk 24,35-481) Asking to touch him 36 While they were still

speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. 38 Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have." 40 And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.

In v.36, their story telling is disrupted (or enhanced) by the appearance of Jesus.

As he appears, he greets them with the greetings of peace.

V.37 tells of the reaction of the disciples: startled, terrified, misreading of his appearance

In v.38, Jesus asks a question, as when he appeared to the two going to Emmaus, implying that they should be clarified by now.

In v.39, Jesus assures them that it is he. He shows to them the latest marks of his experience of crucifixion. He is not a ghost or phantasm or illusion (or halogen)

He is still an embodied person. In v.40, Jesus exhibits his hands and

feet.

Gospel reading: Lk 24,35-48

2) Asking for a fish and eating it

41 While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of baked fish; 43 he took it and ate it in front of them.

V.41 gives us a glimpse of their positive feeling now: joy and amazement.

There is an improvement in their reception of Jesus.

Jesus asks for something to eat. In v.42, the disciples give him a

baked (broiled, grilled) fish. In v.43, Jesus eats what they

offer him. This time the disciples feed him

(who fed / feeds).

Gospel reading: Lk 24,35-48Jesus’ words and

interpretation 44 He said to them, "These

are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures. 46 And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day 47 and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.

V.44 gives a summary of Jesus’ teachings when he was still alive. All the scriptures have been fulfilled in his person.

In v.45, Jesus helps them understand the scriptures (interprets, makes understanding easier, makes sense or gives meaning).

V.46 makes a short conclusion of all that has been recently done to Jesus.

V.46b indicates the mission of the disciples: To preach repentance, for the

forgiveness of sins.

Reflections on the gospel reading

St. Luke is about to end his gospel. It ends at 24,53. We are at 24,48.

St. Luke is already winding up his story. Soon he will begin a new story in the Acts of the Apostles (about the Church).

It is the resurrection of Jesus that triggers both the stories of Jesus and the Church.

The resurrection brings new life, which includes new talk, new perspective.

Luke is telling us: we have experienced resurrection if we are now talking about something that is new, fresh and has not been recycled.

If we keep on repeating again and again the same old stories, the same hurts and blunders in our lives, we have not yet resurrected from the dead.

Resurrection leads us to see events in a new light.

Every time we converse with other people, is there anything new, enlightening and liberating in what we say? Or we repeat the same complaints?

Tying the three readings and the Psalm

We are in the Easter season. The readings are focused on the resurrection of Christ, but along with it, we are enjoined to repent.

The first reading reminds us that God the Father raises Jesus up from the dead. God intervenes in the life (death) of Jesus. After the preaching (kerygma), is the invitation to repent.

The psalm helps us repent (by acknowledging God’s power in our trials).

The second reading is emphatic on not sinning. The gospel reading portrays Jesus’ efforts to “prove” his

resurrection to the incredulous disciples who are later asked to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

How to develop your homily / sharing

The resurrection of Christ demonstrates God’s power over the people, who desire the death of his chosen one.

It tells, straight to our hearts, that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is dead serious about his Son. God defends his Son by all means.

It is useless to resist Christ and reject his teachings.

The first reading is emphatic on conversion. It says, “Repent and be converted, that your

sins may be wiped away.” We repent from making bad decisions,

wrong choices like choosing the criminal Barabbas, instead of the innocent Jesus; choosing evil, not good.

We repent from putting the good guys to death or oblivion (ignoring their goodness and strengths).

The second reading right away tells us that we avoid sin.

The author of the second reading writes his letter to us that we may avoid sin.

The author gives us hope if ever we fall into sin.

We have Jesus who is our Advocate, who pleads for our forgiveness.

We don’t lie to ourselves, we say we love (know) God, but never do his commands.

It is a sin not to follow God’s commands. Important in our faith in the resurrection is

obedience to God’s laws.

After having exhausted the story of Jesus’ appearances, the author of the gospel reading enjoins the disciples to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

We repent from our ignorance and inability to understand the meaning of Jesus’ events.

We are not so keen on the workings of God in our lives, because we are too materialistic and full of hatred, full of ourselves, or we are just lukewarm.

We repent by paying attention to the sacred scriptures, to the teachings of the apostles and their successors.

When we repent, we begin again. We don’t repeat our old ways. We leave

our empty tombs. We take courage to live by the Spirit

that leads us to new ways.

Repentance is not just the message of the Lenten Season, but also the Easter Season.

Repentance is our logical response to the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Repentance comes about when we realize we have badly faired in our lives in spite of God’s lavish love for us.

We don’t wait to be punished first before we repent. Repentance carries with it a promise and firm

purpose not to sin again.

Retreats, recollections, devotions or belongingness to a charismatic group or a pious organization is useless without practicing repentance.

Unrepentant people will always justify why they should violate rules and hurt people.

The best members of our congregations or groups are those who have learned how to repent and who frequently go to confession.

They perform better each time they live authentic lives again.

Beware of church people who never goes to confession.

The eucharist is the reward of the repentant sinner.

Only those who have repented and humbly asked for forgiveness are entitled to receive the holy eucharist.

Through the eucharist, Jesus continues to make his presence felt to the repentant sinner.

The eucharist energizes us to preach repentance to all people.

Our Context of Sin and Death

Unrepentant sinners and criminals

Unable to see the connection between interior life and secular life

Unable to understand catechism and faith

No sense of sin Unformed conscience Unscrupulous No conscience Does not grow in spirit

Strong sense of the right and the wrong, based on the Sacred Scriptures and teachings of the Church

Sees connection of the resurrection with righteous living

Good judgment Repentant, says sorry when

he / she hurts others Does not repeat his / her

blunders Reliable to guide others to the

path of holiness

Suggested Songs

Maghandog ng Alay http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRWqJuXVAP0

Light http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1Bsw3Y5WZ8

Thank you, Lord, Froilan, big letter http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HwEPS3f6UA