Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 9 April 2026
Easter Octave – Thursday
Acts 3:11–26. Luke 24:35–48
You Are the Witnesses!
The Gospel today brings us to the final part of Saint Luke’s narrative. The Risen Jesus appears to His disciples—not once, but twice. First, He walks with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Then, He stands among the gathered disciples in Jerusalem.
In both moments, something very simple yet profound is present: food. In Emmaus, they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. In Jerusalem, Jesus asks, “Have you anything here to eat?” and they give Him a piece of broiled fish. Food becomes a sign of life. To eat is to live. It is the most ordinary act, yet it reveals the most extraordinary truth: the Risen Lord is not a ghost, not an idea—He is alive, present, real. The disciples begin in fear, confusion, and even disbelief. But slowly, their fear gives way to joy. His presence transforms them. The same hearts that were troubled become hearts that rejoice.
Then comes a decisive moment: Jesus opens their minds to understand the Scriptures. And finally, He entrusts them with a mission: “You are the witnesses of these things.”
What does this event teach us today?
(a) From Fasting to Living
During Lent, we embraced fasting. Fasting means willingly accepting hunger. It trains the heart to long for God. But now, in Easter, the tone changes. The Risen Lord eats with His disciples. Life returns to its rhythm—eating, living, sharing. This is important. Even after the death of Jesus, the disciples did not stop living. They continued their daily actions. There is a quiet lesson here. No matter what loss or struggle we face, life must continue. Hunger does not solve our problems. Refusing to live does not heal our wounds.
(b) Understanding the Scriptures
The Gospel tells us: “He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” This is a crucial moment. The disciples had heard Jesus before. They had seen His actions. Yet they did not understand. Now, after the Resurrection, their inner eyes are opened. The Word of God is not just something we read with our physical eyes. It must be received with the eyes of the heart. We may read the Bible every day, and yet miss its meaning—unless something within us is opened.
(c) You Are the Witnesses!
Finally, Jesus gives a mission: “You are the witnesses of these things.” This is not just a statement. It is a calling. The disciples who were once hiding behind closed doors are now sent out. They are no longer spectators; they are witnesses. They are to proclaim not an idea, but a person. Not a theory, but an experience: We have seen the Lord. To be a witness is not first about speaking. It is about living.
And so, the question returns to us today: Are we still behind closed doors—held by fear, doubt, or hesitation? Or have we stepped out, carrying the joy of the Risen Lord? Easter is not complete until it becomes witness. The Risen Jesus stands among us, opens our minds, restores our joy, and sends us out. “You are the witnesses!”
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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