Reflection on Today's Readings, Wednesday of Easter Octave, Year B, April 7th, 2021
Texts: Acts 3:1-10; Ps. 105:1-4.6-9; Luke 24:13-35
Today we are presented with two kinds of disciples. Cleopas and his companion had experienced disappointment with the passion of Jesus and their hope in Him dashed. They found it hard to believe the news of resurrection, which would have restored their hope. They said, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty  in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see.”  They did not believe in the news of resurrection and were returning to the village, Emmaus. However, Jesus Christ appeared to them and healed them of doubt and unbelief; Jesus Christ restored their hope, the hope that He is the Christ, the redeemer of Israel. When they were healed and hope restored, they returned to Jerusalem to spread the news of resurrection. They bore witness to the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here, we see that Jesus Christ is the healer of souls.
In the first reading, we are presented with disciples who had faith in resurrection and the mighty works God wrought through them. Peter and John were going to the temple to pray and on their way to the temple, they met a lame at the gate called beautiful gate. To Peter and John, Jesus appeared to them in the lame. Hence, it is said, "And Peter directed his gaze at him, with John, and said, 'Look at us.'” Peter and John looked at him and found faith, desire to be healed and courage. Peter healed him. He said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” This reminds us that salvation is the greatest gift that everyone should desire; we should desire salvation over and above material things, either gold or silver. This calls us to work for our salvation. From the healing we know that salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Hence, Peter says, "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise and walk.” In those words, Peter asked for healing from Jesus. Those words simply means 'by the authority of Jesus Christ, rise and walk'. The faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ gives salvation. Let us continue to hold on to our faith in Jesus Christ and to continue spreading it for the salvation of the world.

Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for all You have been to us, help us to hold firmly to our faith in Your resurrection for our salvation and to spread it for the salvation of the world. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke