[:en]The Resurrection (vs. 1-12)
When the women brought species to the tomb, they found the stone rolled up from the tomb without the body of Jesus. Suddenly, two angels appeared to them and told them that Christ had risen. The women went to tell the eleven disciples but they did not believe. Only Peter got up and ran to the tomb and saw the strips of linen lying inside the tomb.
Resurrection is the central fact of Christian History. Without it, there would be no Christian Churches today. Resurrection creates new lives and prepares us for Jesus’ second coming. It gives us hope for the future and assures us that Christ is alive and ruling His kingdom.
People may pass through four stages of belief to comprehend “resurrection”
- They may think it as a fairy tale, impossible to believe.
- They may check out the facts and still being puzzled like Peter
- They may be able to accept resurrection when they encounter Jesus personally
- They may begin to fully understand the reality of His power when they connect themselves to Him and devote their lives to serve Him.
On the Road to Emmaus (vs. 13-35)
Two men where going to a village called Emmaus about 7 miles from Jerusalem. As they were walking, they were talking about the current events that took place. Jesus himself came up and walked along with them, but they did not recognize him. They knew that the tomb was empty and they were filled with sadness. They heard of the biblical prophesy about this event but they did not believe. So Jesus responded by going to the Scripture and applying it to his ministry. As they approached the village, they urged Jesus to stay with them for it was nearly evening. Jesus then took bread, gave thanks and gave it to them. Then their eyes opened and they recognized Him. But he disappeared from their sight. They got up and returned to Jerusalem and told the disciples that the Lord has risen and had appeared to Peter. They also told them all the things that they have encountered with Jesus on their way.
Reflection:
- When you have fear and doubt, when you are lonely and in despair, when you are overload and depressed, remember how Jesus walked with the 2 men at Emmaus. He will also walk with you.
- Do you recognized Jesus or are your eyes still blinded?
- How is your walk with Jesus? Is it up and down, growing, slipping or close?
- Have you responded to His mission for you? Have you been a witness to the people in your life?
Jesus Appears to the Disciples (vs. 36-49)
Jesus stood among the disciples and said to them: “Peace be with you”. They were startled and frightened and thought that it was a ghost. But Jesus told them to look at him and touch his hands and foot. He showed them His immortal and resurrected body which was able to appear and disappear. He also ate with them in their presence and opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them to preach the Good News of Salvation to all nations beginning at Jerusalem
The Ascension (vs. 50-53)
Jesus led them out to the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up His hands and blessed them. Then He was taken up to heaven and they worshiped Him and returned with great joy.
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