Easter 3 Year B
My witnesses
Duccio, di Buoninsegna, d. 1319. Christ Appears to the Disciples at the Table after the Resurrection, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. http://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=49184 [retrieved March 30, 2021]. Original source: www.yorckproject.de.
Published date 4/10/2024
Introduction
The Oxford Dictionary defines "witness" as "a person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, take place" but that is only one definition. The second definition is "evidence, proof". It is the latter that is focal to the gospel lesson this week. Of course, we did not see all that transpired in Jesus' life; but we are (can be) evidence or proof of that life and his teachings. And how can we do that? By opening our hearts and minds to the gospel that Jesus teaches: to love and serve everyone. No qualifications. Note that Jesus did not say it would always be easy. Mostly, it is not easy; it is necessary.
Luke 24:36b-48
Jesus himself stood among . . . “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
From sermon4kids.com: “You and I have been called to tell others about Jesus, just like those disciples. We must be a witness for Jesus, too. We must tell the world that Jesus is alive. ”
Scripture: April 18, 2021—Acts 3:12-19 (image); Psalm 4 (image); 1 John 3:1-7 (image); and Luke 24:36b-48 (image). A visual/audio journey through the scripture.
Collect: O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Reflection: When Jesus appeared to the disciples, “he opened their minds to understand the scriptures” (Luke 24:45). What is it to “understand” God’s word? How does understanding feed your faith? In the coming week, take note of one new understanding that comes to you from something you hear or read or realize through another person.
(excerpted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year B, Volume 1 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press)
Symbols of the Church
Dogwood trees are an important symbol of Easter, due to their role in the crucifixion of Jesus. It is said that the wood of a dogwood tree was used to build the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. Even though Easter isn't at the same time every year, these trees typically bloom on or very close to Easter.
from "15 Easter Symbols and Their Unique Meaning" website.
“Resurrection” by Paul T. Granlund [Editor: my all-time favorite]
“I do not know where they have laid him” by Jan Richardson
Medieval wall painting from Seething, Norfolk
“Easter Morning” by James Janknegt
“He arose“, a sweet arrangement sung by two darling boys “He a-wose”
“Worthy is the Lamb” by Pepper Choplin
“Worthy is the Lamb” and “Amen” from Handel’s Messiah sung by the Morman Tabernacle Choir
“The grim comedy of St. Mark’s passion” by Debra Dean Murphy
a poem about a miniature showing Christ’s entry into Jerusalem
He asks for food, they give him fish,
And then remember every dish
They ate with him along the way.
It is as if they hear him say,
"The loaves and fishes that you passed,
To feed a multitude, surpassed
What anybody would have guessed;
But that was just an alpha test
Which you, my friends, can now repeat.
You're witnesses none can defeat
The love for which I lived and died,
Though crucifying me, they tried.
Go out to all the world to show
Forgiveness that will overflow
As through you, everyone rethinks
How love is now your food, your drink."
© Scott L. Barton
“Kung Fu Panda” (2008, animated, PG), believe in yourself, Review
“The Gospel Road: A story of Jesus” (1973, G), who knew—that Johnny Cash produced a movie about Jesus, this is his tale, Review
For youth: This week extends the lessons from last week about witnessing. Jesus tells his disciples they are his witnesses. How do you witness to Christ’s love and teachings? Feel free to comment by sending an email to FaithatHome2020@gmail.com
Coioring:
On this Third Sunday of Easter, the Gospel reading directs our attention to the Eucharist as our ongoing experience of the resurrection. On the first Easter afternoon Jesus met two of his followers, and as they walked to the village of Emmaus he explained the scriptures concerning his death and resurrection to them. At table with them he said the blessing and broke the bread and they recognized him.
Today’s Gospel reading carries that story to its conclusion. Those two disciples are in the midst of telling the others that Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread when he appears in their midst. He again explains the scriptures and shares food with them. Thus from the very beginning of the Church’s life in the risen Lord, the meal has been the most common way Jesus’ resurrection is revealed to his people.
Our reading from Acts today is an account of the manifestation of Christ’s presence in and through his followers. Peter and John heal a cripple in the name of Jesus and then Peter proclaims the Gospel of the dying and rising of Jesus. The second reading this Sunday speaks of the forgiveness of sins we have as a result of our life in Christ.
We are a people who through Baptism and Eucharist live in Christ’s dying and rising. We meet him again and again in the Breaking of the Bread and acclaim him. “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia!”
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.