Here, you will find a collection of reflections, guide questions, images and slide backgrounds — all crafted to enhance and elevate your celebration of the Third Sunday of Easter.
The Gist of Luke 24:35-48
The disciples, afraid and confused, discussed their encounter with Jesus on the road. Suddenly, Jesus himself stood among them, dispelling their fear and doubt. Offering proof of his resurrection through his wounds and by sharing a meal, Jesus reminded them of his teachings and empowered them to be witnesses to his message.
Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.
Luke 24:39
Peace Be With You
In the gospel passage from Luke 24:35-48, we encounter the disciples gathered together, grappling with disbelief and uncertainty in the aftermath of the resurrection. As they share their experiences with one another, Jesus suddenly appears among them, dispelling their doubts and fears with his presence. He reassures them, saying, “Peace be with you,” and opens their minds to understand the scriptures.
Today, we find ourselves in a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain. We face challenges that seem insurmountable, from global pandemics to social and political unrest. In the midst of this turmoil, it can be easy to lose sight of hope and succumb to despair. But like the disciples, we are called to remember the words of Jesus: “Peace be with you.”
Know That You Are Loved
The peace that Jesus offers is not merely the absence of conflict or hardship, but a deep-seated tranquility that comes from knowing that we are loved and cared for by a God who is ever-present. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that can sustain us even in the darkest of times.
In our daily lives, it can be tempting to seek peace in external things: wealth, success, or material possessions. But true peace can only be found in our relationship with God. It is a peace that transcends circumstances, a peace that remains steadfast in the face of adversity.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be bearers of this peace in the world. We are called to be instruments of reconciliation and healing, bringing hope to those who are lost and despairing. In a world that is often divided by hatred and strife, we are called to be agents of love and unity.
But being a bearer of peace does not mean ignoring the realities of injustice and suffering in the world. It means standing up for what is right, advocating for the marginalized and oppressed, and working towards a world where all God’s children can live in dignity and freedom.
Proclaim The Good News
Like the disciples in today’s gospel, we are called to be witnesses to the resurrection. We are called to proclaim the good news of God’s love and mercy to all those we encounter. And we do so not with words alone, but with the example of our lives, lived in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
So let us go forth from this place, filled with the peace of Christ, ready to be agents of hope and reconciliation in the world. May we be guided by the words of Jesus: “Peace be with you,” and may we strive to bring that peace to all those we meet.
The risen Jesus is not an ethereal being, but a real person, bearing the marks of his passion. He eats with his disciples; he asks them questions; he listens to their anxieties and doubts.
Pope Francis
Reflective Questions for Spiritual Growth
- How can we cultivate a deeper sense of peace in our lives, drawing from the example of Jesus’ presence among the disciples in their moment of doubt and uncertainty?
- In what ways do we encounter Jesus in our daily lives, particularly in the breaking of bread and the sharing of the Word? How can we be more attentive to these encounters and allow them to transform us?
- As witnesses to the resurrection, how can we actively promote peace and reconciliation in our communities and the wider world, following the example of Jesus who greeted his disciples with the words, “Peace be with you”?
Free Social Images & Slides to Share
Feel free to download and share the following images on your social media platforms. Slide backgrounds are available for use in various presentation tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, and others:
