The major theme for this third Sunday of Easter continues to focus on the truth about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the impact of this reality in our lives. All our readings today encourage us to have faith in the Risen Lord, trusting that almighty God has raised His only begotten son Jesus Christ from death and has given him the glory of the resurrection, that one day, through His infinite compassion and mercy, we will also be able to share the glory of the resurrection.

The readings also have the common encouraging theme that no matter what happens in our lives, the Risen Lord is always with us, because God is always near to those who seek Him, who live in God’s presence, fulfilling His holy will.

Initially after Jesus’ death, the disciples were at a loss and living in fear. It was only through their experience of the Risen Lord by God’s revelation that they began to understand Jesus’ event as a work of God that forever changed the course of human history. God sent Jesus according to His set plan and purpose, that through His passion, death and resurrection, God worked miracles, signs, and wonders in our midst, as testified by the Holy Scriptures.

All our faith, hope, and charity as Christians are centered on the mystery of the Risen Lord, which is not confined to a past event; nor is it relegated solely to a future moment when we will also be raised by God. Rather, the resurrection appearances of Jesus represent the Church’s understanding concerning the permanent presence of Christ with us now. Jesus’ abiding presence in the gift of the Holy Spirit will teach us, remind us of His words and works, guide us to the truth and be with us always.

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to recognize and accept the reality of the Risen Lord and its impact on our lives, to imitate and follow him more closely, to repent our sins, to exercise our Christian stewardship, to use our time, treasure, and talents to love God above all and to love our neighbors as ourselves, participating in the works of mercy, to accomplish God’s will in our lives to glorify God.   

How can we help each other recognize the presence of the Risen Lord, often in our disappointing, ordinary experiences of our lives that affirm God’s forever abiding presence, love, mercy, assistance, and peace?        

Wishing everyone a very happy and blessed Easter Season.