HOMILY OF THE 3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER — YEAR A

HOMILY OF THE 3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER — YEAR A

HOMILY THEME: FROM FEAR TO FAITH—RECOGNIZING THE RISEN CHRIST IN OUR JOURNEY

BY: Fr Jb Mbbah-Offor

Acts 2:14, 22-33; Ps 15(16); 1 Pet 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35

In today’s readings, we encounter a powerful journey of transformation, faith, and recognition of the Risen Lord. We see Peter moving from fear to boldness, the Christian life called to reverence and responsibility, and the disciples on the road to Emmaus moving from despair to renewed hope.
At the heart of all these readings is one central truth: the Risen Christ continues to transform lives and walk with His people, even when they do not recognize Him.

In the first reading, Acts 2:14, 22–33, we see a great transformation in Peter. Before, he was afraid and even denied Jesus. But now, he stands boldly and speaks about Him before many people. What caused this change? The power of the Holy Spirit. This teaches us something important: God can change anyone. Even when we feel weak, afraid, or burdened by past mistakes, God can still work through us. Like Peter, we become strong when we allow God to act in our lives.

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Peter speaks openly about Jesus. He proclaims that Jesus was crucified but also announces the Good News that God raised Him from the dead. This shows us that what may appear as failure can become victory in God’s plan. What looked like defeat on the Cross became triumph through the Resurrection.

In the second reading, 1 Peter 1:17–21, we are reminded that the Christian life is serious and meaningful. We call God our Father, but we must also live with reverence and awareness of Him in all we do. When the Bible speaks of “fear,” it does not mean being afraid of God, but having deep respect and reverence for Him. At times, we treat our faith as routine—praying without reflection or living without awareness. But God calls us to live consciously, knowing that He sees and guides us always.

The Gospel, Luke 24:13–35, tells the story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus. It is a journey many of us quietly experience. The disciples were walking away from Jerusalem—away from hope and from what they once believed. Their dreams seemed shattered. The One they trusted had died, and with Him, their expectations.
They had hoped that Jesus would redeem Israel, but after His death, their hope seemed lost.

In the same way, there are moments in our lives when things do not go as expected. We may feel disappointed, discouraged, or even lose hope. Like those disciples, we continue walking, but with heavy hearts.

As they walked, Jesus Himself came and walked with them, but they did not recognize Him. This teaches us an important truth: God is always with us, even when we do not recognize His presence. In difficult moments, we may feel alone, yet Jesus is still present, guiding us quietly.
It was when Jesus broke the bread that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.

This reminds us that:
▪︎We encounter Jesus through His Word
▪︎We recognize Him more deeply in prayer and the Eucharist.
▪︎God often reveals Himself in simple and quiet ways, not always in dramatic signs.

Like the disciples at Emmaus, we are often on our own journeys—sometimes filled with confusion, disappointment, or unanswered questions. Yet the Gospel assures us that Christ walks with us even when our eyes are not yet open to His presence.

May God open our eyes to see Him at work in our lives—in His Word, in the breaking of the Bread, and in the ordinary experiences of each day. And like Peter, may we be transformed from fear into courage; and like the disciples, from despair into renewed hope and joyful recognition of the Risen Lord. Amen

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