Easter Wednesday

Acts 3:1-10
Ps 104(105): 1-4, 6-9
Luke 24:13-35

HEARTFELT WITNESSING

Peter and John! What a captivating transformation! It used to be the dynamic duo of Peter and Andrew, James and John, but now it’s Peter and John taking center stage. It’s as if the monumental events from the Last Supper to the Resurrection have forged an unbreakable bond between these two men. They couldn’t be more different in nature and temperament! Peter was the driving force, the motivator, while John was the gentle mystic, resting his head on the chest of Christ, the Cornerstone and Head of the Church.

Picture this: Peter, boldly confessing his faith and love for Jesus, while John—the beloved disciple—was entrusted by the Lord to care for His mother, ensuring she became our mother too. Remember that remarkable race to the tomb? John sprinted ahead, but it was Peter who shoved past him, bursting into the empty tomb! Peter dashed out, mind racing, while John strolled away, contemplating the profound significance of those grave clothes (John 20:3-4).

Though Peter and John were fellow fishermen, sharing the same profession, they were like oil and water, often getting on each other’s nerves. Yet now, they were walking together in unity! The scripture recounts, “Now Peter and John went up together into the temple.” From mutual disciples to integral members of a united body, they transitioned from mere friendship to a deep, meaningful fellowship.

As they made their way to the temple, fate brought them face-to-face with a beggar, crippled from birth, at the Beautiful Gate. With a powerful declaration, Peter healed him in Jesus’ name, unleashing a wave of joy that swept through the crowd! Can you imagine the astonishment of the orthodox Jews attending their afternoon prayers? This man was healed, body and soul, leaping with sheer delight! It’s a scene straight out of prophecy—Isaiah foresaw this moment when he spoke of the lame leaping like deer during the Jubilee year of the Lord. Jesus’ first coming was just a foretaste of that glorious future (Matthew 12:22; Mark 7:37), as evidenced by the miraculous joy of the man in Acts 3:8.

This miraculous healing was not just a moment of wonder—it was a message of divine power! The miracle happened not by Peter’s authority but through the mighty name of Jesus Christ. The phrase “In the Name” encapsulates everything that Jesus embodies now and forever, especially His unmatched authority, displayed for His glory. Peter boldly invoked the same name he had used in Acts 2:22, acknowledging the scorn the Jews had for Jesus’ humble beginnings as “Jesus the Nazarene” (John 1:46). But Peter understood the sheer power embedded in the name of Jesus! As Psalm 106:8 reminds us, God’s name is intrinsically linked to His power: “Nevertheless He saved them for the sake of His name, that He might make His power known.” And Daniel’s prayer echoes this sentiment, affirming, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him” (Dan 2:20).

In today’s thrilling gospel, the name of Jesus of Nazareth has ignited the fervor of the Passover feast, as rumors swirl about strange occurrences following His resurrection. This Jesus, once condemned to death by the very leaders of the people, has risen! Can you imagine the buzz? Some women and disciples are heralding the news, and during the walk to Emmaus, those two disciples were deep in conversation when Jesus—initially a stranger to them—joined their path. It was in the breaking of the bread that they finally recognized Him, and the profound words echoed in their hearts: “Did not our hearts burn within us?”

Perhaps these sentiments resonate in our own spiritual journeys. At Mass, the overwhelming presence of God fills our spirits, but often, it’s only in hindsight that we grasp the magnitude of it! If our hearts truly burn with passion, we must open ourselves to gratitude for the marvelous deeds of the Lord, both past and future. When we feel parched or weighed down, let’s take a moment to thank the Lord, then dive right back into our tasks! Remember, hearts that burn with fervor don’t guarantee a quick passage to Heaven. After all, it’s not merely about saying “Lord, Lord,” but about actively doing the will of the Father!

Fr Joseph Osho