Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
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.”
Of course, you would be shocked—and perhaps after a few seconds, you would shout and run away. This reaction is human nature; it's a natural response because you are not used to seeing a ghost.
This was also the reaction of the disciples when Jesus suddenly appeared before them and said, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and terrified—who wouldn’t be? Then, Jesus slowly revealed Himself to His disciples by inviting them to look at His hands and feet, and even to touch them if they wanted, to prove that He had indeed risen and was truly with them.
Perhaps some
of us are troubled and worried because of our present life circumstances. If we
are, Jesus would tell us:
“Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Firmly believe in me and I will take care of you. Call on me anytime and I will be with you. Follow me and I will not disappoint you! I will give you peace—peace that this world cannot give. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid!”
The peace that Jesus gives us is beyond compare—nothing in this world can equal it. Some of us mistakenly look for peace and comfort in the world, only to end up holding an empty bag. Why? Because it is only through Jesus that we will find true peace.
Look for the peace that only Jesus can give, and humbly ask Him for it. If you are persistent, He surely will give it to you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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