Third Sunday of Easter – Year C
Sunday, May 4, 2025
We are now in the third week of the seven-week Easter season, following the joyous, eight-day celebration of Easter Octave. Pope St. John Paul II described it as a “luminous atmosphere,” as the Church rejoices in the resurrection of Christ, a time filled with hope and triumph. The Gospel narratives detail encounters of the Risen Christ with the women and apostles, who became the first witnesses to proclaim Jesus’ death and resurrection. These encounters brought about a profound transformation, changing sadness into joy and fear into missionary enthusiasm. In the first reading from Acts for this Sunday, we encounter Peter and the apostles standing before the Jewish supreme council and court, being questioned about their teachings in the name of Christ. The high priest reminds them of the strict orders not to teach in that name, accusing them of filling Jerusalem with their teaching and attempting to bring the blood of Jesus upon the council. Earlier, Peter faced and succumbed to such pressure and fear and denied knowing Jesus at the Lord’s Passion, but now he and the apostles firmly respond, “We must obey God rather than men.” They witnessed Jesus’ death and resurrection, which granted Israel repentance, forgiveness of sins, and the Holy Spirit given to all who believe and obey. For being faithful to God, Peter and the apostles were flogged by the council and ordered to stop speaking in the name of Jesus, but, “They left the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been found worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.” —Acts 5:41. This bold declaration of faith and rejection of authorities underscores the witnesses’ unwavering commitment to God’s truth and salvation, even in the face of human opposition and personal suffering.
The Easter message brings Christ’s love, mercy, hope, and peace, and remains profoundly relevant in a world troubled by violence, death, uncertainty, and need. It calls us to place our faith and trust in the hands of the Lord. By making faith central to our lives and having it influence our decisions and actions, and regularly praying to God and seeking His guidance, we go beyond knowing Christ; we experience a real, personal connection with the Risen Lord. This profound transformation leads to a desire to share the richness of encountering God with others so they, too, can meet Jesus and experience a renewed life. “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” —2 Corinthians 5:17.
A prayer for strength: O Lord, we humbly come before you, seeking the courage and strength you bestowed upon Your apostles to fearlessly proclaim the Gospel, even amidst adversity. Grant us a portion of their unwavering spirit, that we may be emboldened to speak Your truth with gentleness and reverence. Strengthen us to resist worldly temptations and remain steadfast in Your divine will. May the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, guide us back to righteousness when we falter. Grant us wisdom to discern Your will and fortitude to live it out, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.