Homily for 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A

      Acts 2: 14, 22-33 1 Peter 1:17-21 Luke 24: 13-35

Theme: The Power in the Word

The readings for this third Sunday of Easter, is centred on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian; especially as regards witnessing to Christ the risen Lord. The role of the Holy Spirit as the animator of witnessing cannot be overemphasized. This is very evident in the lives of the Apostles. Reflecting on the lives of the Apostles, one could observe drastic transformation after the resurrection. These transformations are glaringly obvious when one compares the Apostles before and after the resurrection. Those timid, scared, and powerless Apostles who were nowhere to be found, except for Mary the mother of Jesus and John the Beloved during the death and passion of Jesus, are now witnessing to Christ boldly without fear of death. The question is what brought about this transformation?

 

The answer to the above question is found in our first and Gospel readings of today: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Power that Jesus promised in the gospel that will make the Apostle fearless witnesses of him in Jerusalem and throughout the world has been poured out on the apostles as contained in the first reading. This out pouring otherwise known as the power of the resurrection is that which has strengthened the faith of the apostles to speak out boldly about the Risen Christ. The Spirit has conquered their fears and replaced it with courage and renewed faith in Christ Jesus.

 

My brothers and sisters in Christ, this is the type of courage and witnessing that we need in our world today; a witnessing that is without fear or favour. The kind of witnessing that carries the light of Christ, which brings forth liberation, restoration, renewal, and newness of life. The witnessing of Peter and his companions is an invitation to Christians all over the world; to always speak and stand for the truth. Our ability to practice this in our lives will bring about renewal and transformation in our lives, families, and in the world at large. There will be no place for darkness and all its attributes because the light of Christ that we carry will overwhelm it. We are all capable of becoming through witnesses of Christ’s resurrection, if we cooperate with the grace of God at our disposal.

 

Talking about God’s grace at our disposal, Saint Peter in the second reading, reminds us of the prize that Jesus paid for our redemption and how we should strive to live in accordance, by giving good account of our lives here on earth. Therefore, let us make good use of the opportunities presented to us by God from time to time. Our disposition to the Holy Spirit especially in our Eucharistic celebrations will serve as a source of great strength. Like the disciples recognised the risen Christ at the breaking of bread, we too can encounter him in our Eucharistic celebrations if we open our minds and hearts to the Holy Spirit. Then, our witnessing will be authentic.  Amen. Peace be with you!

 

 

Homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter year A, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp