REFLECTION: Easter 3 –  April 26,2009

Acts 3:12-19
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48

Our Gospel reading for Easter 3 opens with a few of the disciples telling the eleven about their encounter with Jesus on the road to Emmaus. The experience had a very powerful effect on them and on Peter in particular.  The passages from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the First Letter of John follow Peter's maturity and development in his faith. In his pre-resurrection discipleship with Jesus Peter had vacillated, acted impetuously, and at times appeared unsure in his relationship with Jesus.  This inner struggle and tension culminated in his denial of Jesus during the trial. Like most other disciples, he was absent from the crucifixion.

However, in these readings we encounter a more mature Peter who both exercises the powers given to him by the Holy Spirit to heal a lame man, and then displays the courage to confront the temple officials when they challenge his authority for doing so.  Clearly, Peter was transformed by the power of the Resurrection.  The Resurrection brought him hope, especially in the encounters with the risen Lord in the locked room and in the table fellowship. In both events, Jesus says, "Peace be with you". This same peace transcends time and space and enters into our lives daily.  The risen Lord stands at the gate of each day and walks with us hand in hand with the same promise he made to Peter and the other disciples – that we are never alone.

The Collect

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP 1979, pp. 224-225)