Lk 24:35-48
Witnesses: As the disciples listen to their companions’ account of their experience on the road to Emmaus, Jesus appears to them. They are startled and terrified, convinced that they are seeing a ghost. He calms their fears and bids them to touch his hands and feet. The disciples discover with joy that, indeed, it is Jesus who stands before them. Only then do they believe. He invites them to witness to his resurrection.
Jesus’ call is addressed not only to the Eleven or to the men and women who heard the Lord speak and saw the miracles that he performed. It is addressed to each believer through the ages. By rising from the dead, Jesus gives back to us the glorious life that we lost when our first parents fell from grace. Now, he calls us to witness to the resurrection and the good news of salvation with our lives. And so like the grain of wheat that must fall to the ground and die so that it can produce much fruit (Jn 12:24), we must die to our pride, our vices, and our sinful ways and bear the fruit of salvation for ourselves and for others.