Fr. Francois Noha s.x.
Easter Sunday Year C April 17, 2022
The celebration of Easter this year coincides with almost the end of the dry season in Sierra. This is a difficult period in which life is not easy. At the same time, it is a period in which, hope is on the mood because every farmer is preparing for the rainy season in order to cultivate and produce crops. The Lenten season has trained people to live sober in a context where in a short period of time, due to the increase of fuel prices, all commodities has increased if not doubled. How do we see the resurrection of Christ in such a context in which the prophets of doom are singing the apocalypse of famine caused by the military operation of Russia in Ukraine, which others are calling war in Ukraine. How can Christ’ Resurrection help to envision a hopeful future or new life?
The readings of the day at the Easter proposes a situation in which, the disciples have not yet understood the mystery that surrounds the death and the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. In Fact, Peter in the first reading had to undergo the unfolding of the events. How the Lord’s Resurrection is compelling him to let go of some certainties in order to understand and enter into the new horizon in which the Lord invites him and his companions. After that journey of faith, he addressed the whole house of Cornelius in order to help them comprehend the mystery around the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter gives us a clear definition of Jesus, whom God “had anointed with the Holy Spirit and with Power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.” Jesus was able to do all this good work because God was with him. However this did not stop the high priest and the elders to kill him by hanging him on the cross. Nevertheless, God raised him up. That is the most important part of it: the “Resurrection”. Peter now is a dauntless witness of Jesus history.
I chose the Gospel read on Easter Afternoon which is the story of the tow disciples of Emmaus. This gospel gives us several elements to understand Jesus’ modus operandi” which is to accompany, educate, unveil, and empower to be witnesses. First, in order to educate them, Jesus journeyed with them while they were not aware of the nature of this companionship of Jesus. Then, he questioned them, so to understand where they are standing. They told their story concerning the way they saw what had happened. Second, from there, he explained and taught them about the scripture concerning his fate. Finally he revealed himself at the table as they invited and welcomed him in their house. By recognizing Jesus through the breaking of the bread, Jesus empowered them so that they are able to return to Jerusalem and be witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection.
From these readings, we can retain four lessons: first we can journey side by side with Jesus without knowing that he is near us and sometime thinking he is a stranger. Second, God does not stop the unfolding of history but walks with us side by side through this unfolding process of history. Third, by welcoming him through the welcoming of stranger, he will reveal himself to us through the breaking of the bread or other circumstances as for Peter. May God who guide history guide us always! Finally, the celebration of the Eucharist becomes this driving force that thrusts the disciples to become witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus’ Resurrection challenges all the prophets of doom and opens always new path and new horizons.
Easter Sunday Year C April 17, 2022
The celebration of Easter this year coincides with almost the end of the dry season in Sierra. This is a difficult period in which life is not easy. At the same time, it is a period in which, hope is on the mood because every farmer is preparing for the rainy season in order to cultivate and produce crops. The Lenten season has trained people to live sober in a context where in a short period of time, due to the increase of fuel prices, all commodities has increased if not doubled. How do we see the resurrection of Christ in such a context in which the prophets of doom are singing the apocalypse of famine caused by the military operation of Russia in Ukraine, which others are calling war in Ukraine. How can Christ’ Resurrection help to envision a hopeful future or new life?
The readings of the day at the Easter proposes a situation in which, the disciples have not yet understood the mystery that surrounds the death and the Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. In Fact, Peter in the first reading had to undergo the unfolding of the events. How the Lord’s Resurrection is compelling him to let go of some certainties in order to understand and enter into the new horizon in which the Lord invites him and his companions. After that journey of faith, he addressed the whole house of Cornelius in order to help them comprehend the mystery around the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Peter gives us a clear definition of Jesus, whom God “had anointed with the Holy Spirit and with Power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil.” Jesus was able to do all this good work because God was with him. However this did not stop the high priest and the elders to kill him by hanging him on the cross. Nevertheless, God raised him up. That is the most important part of it: the “Resurrection”. Peter now is a dauntless witness of Jesus history.
I chose the Gospel read on Easter Afternoon which is the story of the tow disciples of Emmaus. This gospel gives us several elements to understand Jesus’ modus operandi” which is to accompany, educate, unveil, and empower to be witnesses. First, in order to educate them, Jesus journeyed with them while they were not aware of the nature of this companionship of Jesus. Then, he questioned them, so to understand where they are standing. They told their story concerning the way they saw what had happened. Second, from there, he explained and taught them about the scripture concerning his fate. Finally he revealed himself at the table as they invited and welcomed him in their house. By recognizing Jesus through the breaking of the bread, Jesus empowered them so that they are able to return to Jerusalem and be witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection.
From these readings, we can retain four lessons: first we can journey side by side with Jesus without knowing that he is near us and sometime thinking he is a stranger. Second, God does not stop the unfolding of history but walks with us side by side through this unfolding process of history. Third, by welcoming him through the welcoming of stranger, he will reveal himself to us through the breaking of the bread or other circumstances as for Peter. May God who guide history guide us always! Finally, the celebration of the Eucharist becomes this driving force that thrusts the disciples to become witnesses of Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus’ Resurrection challenges all the prophets of doom and opens always new path and new horizons.