Daily Reflection for Thursday April 08, 2021
Peace and Blessings, Friends and Parishioners,
We encourage you to reflect on Thursday’s readings at this link:
Thursday in the Octave of Easter | USCCB
If you prefer to use your own Bible, the readings are:
First Reading: Acts 3:11-26
Responsorial: Psalm 8:2ab, 5-9
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
Our reflection on Thursday’s readings:
Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Luke 24:35
Throughout Lent and this Easter octave I’ve been intrigued by the process of recognition and I’ve made efforts to better understand my own. It is not possible to recognize something or someone without stored information and when interpreting this information, it is impossible for perception, emotion, and memory not to play large roles. I appreciate when recognition happens like a lightning bolt and yet I find it is often a more protracted process like the slow crescendo of soft music until the melody becomes clear enough to register.
For the apostles, today’s Gospel, as well as those leading up to it, outlined faith stressors, anxious interpretation of unexpected events and the maneuvering of unfamiliar territory with the loss of an anchor. I think it is for these reasons that I’ve always enjoyed envisioning the utter confusion the disciples displayed. It is familiar and easily relatable behavior. It is also enjoyable, however, to begin to see the glorious recognition that began to build starting with His explanation to the twelve of scripture and continuing progressive growth in familiarity and recognition with the empty tomb, the appearances on the road to Emmaus and in Jerusalem to the gathered apostles. He helped them manifest this recognition with his breaking bread actions, with his flesh-and-bones presence, and with His words.
“He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.” Luke 24:44-45
I take solace in knowing complete comprehension of His love for us is not within my human reach. Scripture reminders, every single celebrated Mass, and annual Easter seasons, however, all serve to strengthen and reinforce our recognition for His profound sacrifice at the core of our faith and salvation.
Rafael Rosario