Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 24 April ‘25
Easter Octave – Thursday
Acts 3:11–26. Luke 24:35–48
You are Witnesses!
Today’s Gospel passage is taken from the final section of the Gospel according to Luke. The Risen Jesus appears to His disciples twice in this Gospel:
First, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Then, to the rest of the disciples gathered together. In both appearances, food plays a central role.
In the first, the disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. In the second, Jesus asks, “Have you anything here to eat?” and eats a piece of broiled fish. Food symbolizes life and sustenance—because it is through food that we preserve our life.
At first, the disciples’ feelings swing from fear, confusion, and doubt, but end in joy.
Jesus’ presence among them brings this joy. He opens their minds to understand the Scriptures and commissions them with a new mission: “You are witnesses to these things!”
What can we learn from this passage?
(a) From Fasting to Feasting
During Lent, we fasted. Fasting is the voluntary acceptance of hunger. But now, we do not need to choose hunger, for the Lord is with us.
Even after Jesus’ death, the disciples continued with their daily routines—eating and sleeping. This tells us that even when we experience loss or trouble, we must strive to live on. Our hunger will not resolve our problems. But eating, continuing, moving forward—this sustains life.
(b) Understanding the Scriptures
When Jesus was no longer physically present, His words remained—preserved in the Gospels and the Scriptures. To truly understand God’s Word, we need the eyes of our heart to be opened. Reading with only physical eyes is not enough; inner sight is necessary to grasp divine truth.
(c) You are Witnesses!
Jesus sends the disciples out with a new commission: “You are witnesses of these things!” From behind locked doors, they are now to go out and proclaim the Resurrection. To bear witness to the Risen Christ with our lives means living a joyful life—a life that reflects that Christ is alive.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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