Peace be with you. Be strong and resolute to spread the Good News.

Why are you still fearful and full of doubts?

“The disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place along the way, and how they had come to recognize him in the breaking of bread.

While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? 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.” 

And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 

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

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.” 

"Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 

And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." (Luke 24: 35 - 48 ).

Thursday 13th April 2023, Easter Thursday in the Octave of the Solemnity of Easter.

The Apostles gathered in the Upper Room could still not shake off the gruesome events of Good Friday from their minds. Good Friday is days ago. Jesus had since appeared to Mary Magdalene and some women, to Peter and some Apostles, to Cleopas who was present with his companion reporting the encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. In spite of all these, the Elect were still frightened with questions and doubts arising in their minds.

The 9 - 11 Attack on the Twin Towers in NY shook the confidence of Americans to the core. The crucifixion of Jesus had a similar effect on the disciples of Jesus. 

The gruesome flagellation, crowning with thorns, nailing to the Cross and Jesus left to hang on the Cross for hours until He died was an unparalleled emotional, psychological and physical torture for the Apostles. 

 We can take comfort in today's Gospel.  We confess our fears, weaknesses, worries and doubts to Jesus who is in control of all events. Jesus is the Sole Master of the Future. 

"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1: 8). Jesus promises.

The Holy Spirit and the power in the name of Jesus are the two Easter promises. We need the two today more than ever.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com