Third Sunday of Easter

Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Easter. The assigned readings are Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; 1 John 2:1-5; and Luke 24:35-48. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 4 (Psalm 4:2-4, 7-9).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Psalm 4: Lord, Let Your Face Shine Upon Us (Haugen setting)

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you."

But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "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, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have."

And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them.

He said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, "Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things."

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Third Sunday of Easter (April 22, 2012)

Msgr. Charles Pope: Just What the Doctor Reordered – A Reflection on the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (21 APR 12)

The Deacon's Bench: Homily for April 22, 2012: 3rd Sunday of Easter (21 APR 12)

Dr. Scott Hahn: Understanding the Scriptures (April 22nd 2012 - Third Sunday of Easter)

The Lectionary: Preach repentance, forgiveness in the name of Jesus (19 APR 12)

The Word Encountered: Glorified Bodies (Third Sunday of Easter B)

Dominican Daily: Word to Life: 3rd Sunday Easter (B)