Acts 2:14,22-28; Psalm 15; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
Today and next Sunday we hear parts of Peter’s speech at Pentecost. Peter emphasises that Jesus’ death was part of God’s plan, quoting the prophet Joel’s words about the wonders expected in the last days, when God’s Spirit will be poured out on all peoples. He then quotes from today’s Psalm (15/16) to show how King David expected a “holy one” who would not suffer corruption. The resurrection shows that Jesus, a descendant of David who worked many signs, is this expected “Anointed One”, “Messiah” in Hebrew, “Christ” in Greek. He now rightfully succeeds David as king of Israel.
Peter’s first letter reminds us of the price Jesus paid for our salvation in his suffering and death, so that through his resurrection we might “have faith and hope in God”. We will be judged impartially by our just God. So we should persevere in hope, not relaxing our Christian standards in face of persistent attacks and attractions of secular society.
In the Gospel Jesus appeared to the women. Then, without being recognised, he joins two disciples walking despondently to Emmaus, and explains the scriptures to them, before they recognise him “at the breaking of bread”. The appearances of Jesus after the resurrection invite us to listen carefully: he was clearly bodily present, not just a spirit. Yet he was different, and could only be recognised with faith.
Psalm Response: Show us, Lord, the path of life.
Acts 2:14,22-28; Psalm 15; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
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