As we just heard, Jesus’ followers had difficulty believing that the man standing before them was the same Jesus they had come to know and love. They believed they were seeing a ghost.
They had been so traumatized by the Crucifixion just a few days earlier, that they struggled to believe that Jesus was really alive. It was too much for them.
Perhaps, even today, we struggle to take in the good news of Easter, to really believe it. It is easier to identify with the death of Jesus than with His Resurrection. We can easily connect with His suffering.
Maybe that is why we need seven weeks of Easter: to take it all in; to recognize that the Risen LORD is indeed standing among us, saying to us what He said to His disciples, “Peace be with you.
He offers us that peace of mind and heart, which is the fruit of His love and poured into us by the Holy Spirit.
When we allow ourselves to receive this gift, He sends us out as ambassadors of reconciliation, love, and peace, just as He sent out His disciples nearly 2,000 years ago.
May our hearts be open to the reality of that love so that we may go forth and truly and fully share it with others.
Homily for the Memorial of St. Leo the Great
Homily for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome
Homily for Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Charles Borromeo
Homily for Friday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls Day)
Homily for the Solemnity of All Saints
Homily for Tuesday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Feast of Sts. Simon and Jude, Apostles
Homily for Friday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Wednesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)