"Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see"
Luke 24:38-39
The disciples are longing for their Lord. We are five days into the joy of the Easter season, but these disciples have just received word from those who had fled to Emmaus that Jesus is risen. Can you imagine the confusion, questioning, and excitement that they were feeling? At this moment, they hear Jesus’ voice. It must be a ghost. It’s the only reasonable explanation. Jesus encounters them, acknowledges their fears and questions, and then speaks persuasively to them. Jesus doesn’t stop there. He invites his disciples to touch him. He draws them closer to him, into a blessed encounter with his glorified body. He offers them his wounded, now glorified, hands and feet and tells them to touch him. He casts out their doubt and shows them the marks of his death as proof of his victory over death.
They were incredulous for joy. Now that they have heard Jesus’ voice, seen his glorified body, and touched the marks of his victory, the disciples are sent forth to be witnesses of this good news. Jesus transforms their troubled hearts and gives them everything that they need through this encounter. He gives his disciples all of himself. Do you know that he wants to do this for you too?
Are there questions that have arisen in your heart that you need Jesus to speak to? Turn your heart to him in prayer, offer them to him at mass. See how he responds and invites you closer to himself.
Jesus, thank you for drawing me closer to you this Easter season. Help me to respond to you as your disciples did with joy and love.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Carly Bosse
Did you know...
Carly Bosse is the Campus Minister for the Catholic Student Center at USF. In this role, she has fallen in love with serving college students and watching the Lord work in their lives. She is currently attending Franciscan University of Steubenville, studying for a Master's in Theology. Carly loves Lectio Divina, hiking (preferably somewhere with mountains), reading, and spending time with her family.
