Daily Readings - Wed Apr 07 2021
Acts
1One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon.2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts.3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money.4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!"5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk."7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong.8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.9When all the people saw him walking and praising God,10they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Luke
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;16but they were kept from recognizing him.17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"18They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"19"What things?" he asked.20"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther.29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and revelation. The first reading from Acts describes Peter and John healing a lame man at the temple gate, demonstrating the tangible impact of their faith and the early Christian community's commitment to caring for others. The second reading from Luke tells the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, who, in their grief and confusion, fail to recognize the risen Jesus until he breaks bread with them. These stories highlight the power of faith and the presence of Christ in our lives, even when we least expect it.
Both readings are set in the aftermath of significant events. The healing in Acts occurs as the early Church is gaining momentum, showing how the apostles continue Jesus' ministry through their actions. The Emmaus story in Luke takes place just after the resurrection, illustrating the disciples' journey from doubt to belief. Together, these passages remind us that Christ's presence continues in the Church through the Eucharist and the community of believers. Just as the lame man found healing through Peter and John, and the disciples recognized Jesus in the breaking of bread, we too can encounter Christ in our worship and in our service to others.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Like the lame man, we may feel limited by our own weaknesses, but faith can lead to unexpected transformation. Like the Emmaus disciples, we may struggle to see God's presence, but Christ is always with us, especially in the Eucharist and in the community of faith. Let us open our hearts to recognize Christ in our midst and allow His love to transform us, that we may walk in faith, hope, and love.