9 April, Thursday — Let us proclaim His peace

Easter Thursday

Acts 3:11-26
Lk 24:35-48

“You are witnesses to this.”

Peace be with you, brothers and sisters in Christ. I still remember the first mass I attended, when everyone in church turned around and offered up that blessing to each other. How strange, how apt and how beautiful. I remember thinking, no one had ever wished that for me before. Peace on earth – yes, but peace in my heart residing in me; I never even really knew that was what I sought so desperately, until I started my Christian journey.

In a world filled with so many trials and tribulations, those of us who have walked these plains a while know that peace is often the most elusive feeling. Yet, Jesus in his genius, love,  kindness and great wit, stands amongst us, so matter-of-factly bestowing this most beautiful blessing, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36) and then, just as pragmatically, “Have you anything to eat?” (Luke 24:41). This appeals tremendously to the Asian in me — give me peace and a nice, full meal.

Jesus knows that unless we can fill out stomachs like the five thousand, how can we really listen and take in what He has to say? When we open our minds to understand the scriptures, it is because we have found a measure of peace, and some sustenance in our belly. We can then be witnesses to the world of all that God has given us in His Love.

Jesus then took the fish and ate before them, just like the breaking of the bread on the road to Emmaus; we are reminded that Jesus is revealed each moment at the liturgy of the Eucharist. Our faith is so beautiful and yet, it can be so simple. Each and every moment, I can meet Jesus at mass in the breaking of bread and open my mind to His understanding.

The peace that only Jesus can give, I found at my Conversion Experience Retreat (CER) when I was finally able to open my heart and mind to Him. Being willing to let go of past hurts and looking at Him in front of me, and seeing how He was always with me if I was not so blinded by anger, judgement and envy.

Having received this peace and with our minds opened to understand, Jesus calls us to be witnesses to this. How? I can be a witness to His peace and love in my own simple ways. Like Jesus, maybe I can help fill their stomachs through almsgiving; an invitation to a simple meal or coffee, a shared conversation without judgement. I also believe each one of us is able to help someone else find peace — through forgiveness of each other, acceptance of where they are now and unconditional love for them. It’s only been a few years since my baptism, but slowly and surely, my changed life is the best witness I can offer up.

Sisters and brothers in Christ, this beautiful Eastertide, let us give thanks to the Lord; and may our joy and amazement be our best witness to the world.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Julia Lim)

Prayer: Jesus, help us recognise you when you are in our midst. When you are the neighbour asking for food, may we be able to offer up help gladly. Jesus, open our minds and hearts to your Living word and to the gift of the Eucharist.

Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, thank you for the most precious gift of the Eucharist, the real presence of Jesus Christ — His body, blood, soul, and divinity here within your church.