This homily is based on Luke 24:35-48 for the Third Sunday of Easter.
Today we have yet another Easter appearance. From the different appearances the Risen Lord makes to his disciples, a pattern emerges. It is the same person, but somehow he looks different because all who have seen him don’t recognize him immediately–from Mary Magdalene outside the empty tomb to the two disciples en route to Emmaus, even Simon Peter and John in their fishing boats.
This reflection is based on Luke 24:35-48.
From all indication, what we have today is a happy reunion of sorts: The disciples, disheartened and even traumatized by the horrible crucifixion and death of their Master, suddenly find him once again in their midst. To prove that he’s no ghost, the Risen Lord shows them the wounds in his hands and feet, and even takes a little midnight snack before their very eyes (It must have been around midnight, the two disciples having interrupted their supper and hurried back from Emmaus).
It’s Jesus’ way of telling his disciples: “It is I! I am real! And I’m back!”