Daily Readings - Wed Apr 23 2025
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 stories of transformation through encounters with Jesus. The first reading from Acts describes Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple gate, illustrating the power of faith and the continuation of Jesus' ministry through His disciples. The second reading, from Luke, tells the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, whose hearts were opened to recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread, symbolizing the Eucharistic encounter that transforms our spirits.
Both narratives highlight the theme of transformative encounters with Jesus. In Acts, the physical healing of the lame man reflects the tangible power of faith and the apostles' role in continuing Jesus' work. In Luke, the spiritual recognition through the Eucharist reminds us that Jesus is present in our midst, especially in the sacraments. These stories teach us that our faith journeys are not solitary but are enriched by community and sacramental life.
In our daily lives, we are called to be open to such transformative encounters. Whether through helping others, as Peter and John did, or through the Eucharist, as the Emmaus disciples experienced, we can meet Jesus. Let us embrace these moments with open hearts, allowing His presence to transform us. May we, like the disciples, recognize Jesus in our journeys and share His love with others, becoming agents of transformation in our communities.