Short Homily – Thursday in the Octave of Easter
Theme: “Peace Be With You – Witnesses of the Risen Lord”
Readings: Acts 3:11–26 | Psalm 8 | Luke 24:35–48
Jubilee Year Focus: “Hope Does Not Disappoint” (Romans 5:5)
Special Note: As we prepare for the burial of Pope Francis, we pray in gratitude for his humble service, courageous witness, and lasting legacy. May his soul rest in peace, and may the global Church be comforted in this time of mourning.
“Peace be with you.”
It is the peace of resurrection—calm after fear, clarity after confusion, life after death.
😊 One young boy said, “If Jesus keeps appearing out of nowhere after rising, He must have liked playing hide and seek!” And in a way, yes—Jesus shows us that He finds us, even when we are hiding in fear or guilt. His love surprises us. His peace finds us.
📖 In Luke 24:35–48, Jesus appears to the disciples, shows His wounds, eats with them, and opens their minds to understand the Scriptures. His first words are not condemnation, but comfort. He meets them in their fear and gives them a mission: “You are witnesses of these things.”
In Acts 3, Peter continues living that mission. He tells the crowd that they crucified the Author of Life—but God raised Him from the dead. And now, through repentance and faith, healing is possible. Resurrection is not just a doctrine—it’s a daily power to transform lives.
Psalm 8 reminds us of the wonder of creation—and how God, though mighty, remembers us.
“O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!”
This wonder finds its ultimate expression in the Resurrection—the most powerful and loving act in all of history.
✝️ The Eucharist is our Emmaus and Jerusalem combined. Here, Jesus breaks bread with us, opens our minds, and sends us out as witnesses.
When we say, “Amen”, we commit ourselves again to the peace, truth, and power of the Risen Christ.
❓ Question for Reflection
Do I allow Christ to meet me in my fears?
Am I a witness to peace—or do I spread anxiety, doubt, or division?
🛠️ Daily Practical Application
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Greet everyone today with peace—through your tone, your words, and your attitude.
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If you have unresolved tension with someone, take the first step.
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Reflect on a Scripture passage today and ask Christ to “open your mind” as He did for the disciples.
💔 You might feel like hiding behind closed doors like the disciples. Maybe life has been unkind, uncertain, or unfair. But know this: Jesus enters locked spaces. He speaks peace where there’s been panic. His wounds are still visible—not erased—but glorified. And He still walks into our pain with healing.
🕊️ What Can I Do During the Jubilee Year?
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Be a peacemaker. Share forgiveness where there’s tension.
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Volunteer at a hospital, hospice, or prison—places where peace is desperately needed.
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Share your own faith story—become a witness, like Peter.
🇿🇦 South Africa needs peace—real peace. Not just political calm or momentary quiet, but deep peace rooted in truth, dignity, and justice. As followers of Christ, let’s become builders of peace in our homes, churches, and communities.
💬 Inspiration Quote
“Peace is not the absence of struggle. It is the presence of Christ.”
🧭 As Pilgrims of Hope, we walk into a world that still bears wounds—just like Jesus. But we walk with peace on our lips, and resurrection in our hearts. The world needs witnesses. Will you be one?
🙏 Lord Jesus, Risen and Merciful,
You stood among fearful disciples and spoke peace.
Speak that same peace into my life today.
Open my mind to Your Word,
my heart to Your mercy,
and my hands to Your mission.
As we prepare to lay Pope Francis to rest,
grant eternal light to Your faithful servant,
and raise up many who will love and serve as he did.
Amen. Alleluia.
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