My dear friends, this is a special Easter season. Every Sunday in this season is special. It is a season of resurrection, new life and new hope. During this special Easter season of grace, we not only celebrate that Jesus is risen and he is with us, but we also celebrate that Jesus gives Himself to us, the Bread of Life.
It has been more than a month we started our fight again Covid-19. Due to this Virus everyone of us is affected and everyone of us is struggling. We are unsure of our future life. There are so many concerns about what is to come. As disciples of Christ, the biggest thing that we face at present is, we are unable to congregate to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are unable to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. We are unable to adore the Most Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is sad and depressing.
During this unprecedented time the 3rd Sunday of Easter Scripture readings give us one common, encouraging message: No matter what happens in our lives, the risen Jesus is always with us. God is always near to those who seek Him, hope in Him and who want to live in His presence.
The first sermon ever preached after Pentecost was preached by Peter. He focused on the proof of the resurrection. He quotes the prophecy of David concerning Jesus. “For David says of him: I saw the Lord ever before me, with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted; my flesh, too, will dwell in hope, because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld, nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.”
Jesus experienced God’s constant presence and power. Jesus’s body lived in hope. In the gospel, we hear about two disciples who were disturbed about the incidents that happened around them. Jesus appears to them and grants them faith, hope and encouragement. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized Jesus at the breaking of the bread.
The same God who raised Jesus from the dead will help us to overcome this unprecedented time. God is our hope and our strength. Let us not lose our hope in God, let us be strong in faith and continue to pray for each other and for the whole world.
Stay safe & stay home.
In Christ Jesus,
Fr. Kishore Babu Battu SAC