Gospel Reflection: Sharing OUR story and God's gift of peace

 Gospel Reflection: Sharing OUR story
& God's Gift of Peace  

The Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter is Luke’s account of the evening of that first Easter Day. Our reading starts with the two disciples who had met Jesus, the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus where he had helped them to understand the scriptures. Just like John's Gospel account last week, Jesus appeared and greeted the disciples with those words of reassurance 'Peace with you'.  Understandably the disciples were frightened and wondered if they had seen a ghost, but again Jesus reassures them and showed them his wounds, and then to show them he wasn't a ghost he asked to have something to eat.  

 

Jesus then explained to the disciples what had been written in the scriptures.  Like the disciples we also need help understanding the scriptures and what they mean to us today.  Since the pandemic something I have found helpful is meeting with other parishioners at the Gospel Share which is open to everyone (See Gospel Share page). We use Lectio Divina which is sacred reading - it's always interesting to hear what people say and then come on Sunday and listen to what our priests have to say in their homily.  The homily is when they break open the word. Helping with Children's Liturgy is also another way of deepening my understanding as thinking about how to share the word with the children and hearing their response offers real insights. 

 

Dove a symbol of peace

What has stood out last week and this was Jesus' greeting of Peace be with you.  As we hear about the troubles in our world it is important to remember that Jesus came to bring peace to all.  He says to each one of us, Peace be with YOU. We all need peace and we are all called to share God's peace. The greeting and words Peace be with you we also share every time we come to Mass. The Church Jesus founded was universal and in our parish we are fortunate to have people who come from around the world. At the sign of peace in Mass we not only say peace, but gesture signs of peace including a smile and an acknowledgement of others in our Church family. 

 With a special greeting of peace to those whose language isn't listed, please let me know if your word / language is missing. For now, see if you can find someone who you can greet with the words of: peace, Barış, Eiríni,  Frieden,  Kapayapaan,  kedamaian,  Mier,  Myr,  Pace, Paix,  Pax, Paz, Pokój, Ramybė, Śānti, Shanti, síocháin.  AMH