Daily Readings - Wed Apr 03 2024
Acts
1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.2And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.4And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.5And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.6Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.8And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.9And all the people saw him walking and praising God:10And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Luke
13And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.14And they talked together of all these things which had happened.15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.17And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?18And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?19And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:20And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.21But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.22Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;23And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.24And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:26Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?27And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.28And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.29But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.30And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.31And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.32And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?33And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,34Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.35And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of recognition and faith. The first, from Acts 3:1-10, tells the story of Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple gate. This man, who had been unable to walk since birth, is placed at the Beautiful Gate to beg. Peter and John, moved by faith, heal him in the name of Jesus, and he rises, walks, and praises God. This miracle astonishes the crowd and highlights the power of faith and the authority of Jesus's name.
The second reading, from Luke 24:13-35, recounts the journey of two disciples to Emmaus after Jesus's crucifixion. They are deep in sorrow and confusion, discussing the events of Jesus's death. Unbeknownst to them, Jesus joins them on their journey and explains the Scriptures, revealing how they point to his suffering and resurrection. When they reach Emmaus, Jesus breaks bread with them, and their eyes are opened to recognize him. This moment of recognition is a beautiful illustration of how Jesus reveals Himself, often in the simplest of acts, like the Eucharist.
Both readings share a common theme of recognition and faith. In Acts, the lame man's healing is a physical manifestation of God's power, while in Luke, the disciples experience a spiritual awakening. These stories remind us to trust in God's power and to seek Jesus in our daily lives, especially in moments of doubt or sorrow. Just as the lame man and the disciples encountered Jesus, we too can find Him in prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist.
As we reflect on these readings, let us be encouraged to live with faith and openness to God's presence. May we recognize Jesus in our daily encounters and trust in His power to transform our lives. Let us also share the Good News with others, just as the disciples rushed back to Jerusalem to spread the word of Jesus's resurrection. In doing so, we embody the spirit of faith and community that these stories inspire.