Thursday of the Easter Octave – Acts 3:11-26; Psalm 8:2,5-9; Luke 24:35-48
The Body of Christ
Not just a symbol, but the Lord himself, given to us in love.
“Peace to you!” Christ says to his disciples, and to us. “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?” Then he shows them his hands and feet, asks for food, and lets them see that the risen Lord is no ghost, no distant memory, but truly alive.
What a comfort that is. The Resurrection is not just a dazzling miracle from the past; it is the beginning of a new, living relationship. Jesus does not keep his distance. He remains close, familiar, and wonderfully human. He still meets us in ordinary things — even in simple bread. That is why the Eucharist is such a gift: the Risen Christ comes to us quietly, humbly, and really.
And Peter’s words still ring out today: “Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be wiped away.” This is the heart of Christian hope. Christ is alive, and because he is alive, forgiveness is possible, refreshment is possible, and a new start is always possible.
