Scripture Study for
Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:13–15, 17–19 / Psalm 4:7a /1 John 2:1–5a / Luke 24:35–48
<< Back to LECTIONARY RESOURCES
Understanding the Word
By Br. John R. Barker, OFM
The first reading, which features one of several kerygma-based speeches in Acts, follows the healing of a lame man by Peter and John, to the astonishment of onlookers. Peter responds by asking the crowd why they are so amazed, as if Peter and John themselves had performed the cure. No, he says, it was by faith in the name of Jesus that the man was healed. The healing, then, is proof of the truth of the proclamation Peter makes about Jesus. Peter also pointedly remarks that, although the people and their leaders acted out of ignorance in crucifying Jesus, they can no longer claim such ignorance. Just as Jesus announced the reign of God and called for repentance, so now Peter announces the Good News of Christ and calls for repentance.
The First Letter of John begins with an exhortation to accept the message that “God is light” and that only those who walk in the light have fellowship with God (1:5–6). To walk in the light means to turn away from sin and accept God’s forgiveness in Christ. Only those who fail to recognize their need for forgiveness can block this gracious action of God; all others can be assured not only of forgiveness, but that they have Jesus as their Advocate. There can be no greater assurance of being in fellowship with God. John emphasizes that living in fellowship with Christ is above all a practical matter. “Knowing” Christ means obeying his commandments, and obedience to Christ is the royal road to love of God.
Immediately before the present Gospel account, the disciples who encountered Jesus on the road to Emmaus returned to Jerusalem to tell their story to the Eleven (24:33). Now Jesus suddenly appears in their midst, greeting them with peace. Their terror at seeing what they think is a ghost reflects doubt in the possibility that Jesus has indeed been raised from the dead, hence his invitation to “touch me and see,” and the pointed statement that he ate, something ghosts do not do. The Gospel accounts agree that Jesus’ resurrection was physical, although they are equally clear that his is a transformed physicality. Now that Jesus’ work on earth has been done, it is time for his followers to preach both repentance and forgiveness, not just to Israel, but to “all the nations.”