Readings for this Sunday:
Acts 3:13–15, 17–19
Psalm 4:2, 4, 7–8, 9 (Rx 7a or Alleluia) 1
John 2:1–5a
Luke 24:35–48
Today’s Gospel passage ends with Jesus saying to his disciples (and to us), “You are witnesses of these things.” This is not a hope or desire. It’s not a premonition or an invitation. It is a statement of fact. You are witnesses. For people of faith, there is no other choice than to witness to what we have seen and heard and done in Christ Jesus. In baptism, we were reborn this way. We can’t hand off this identity to the religious experts. It’s not something we promise to be once we’re trained enough. You are witnesses, right now, with all your doubts, your faults and failings, and your unique gifts and perspectives. You alone are a witness to Christ in your one-of-a-kind way. So the questions are these: What are we witnesses to? And how will we witness that to the world? We are witnesses to the fact that in Christ, death does not have the last word; hearts can be changed and broken relationships mended; peoples from every nation can become one. This Easter, look around you and see where these things are happening and stand witness to that. Seek out reconciliation and be witness to that. Find Christ in the stranger and announce who you see in them. For you are witnesses of these things.
–Diana Macalintal
Suggested Music
MYSTAGOGY MOMENT:
Today’s first reading ends with the words “repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be forgiven.” We hear similar words on Ash Wednesday when we receive our ashes and are implored to “repent and believe in the Gospel.” Here, Peter is imploring the people to repent for their ignorance in asking for Barabbas to be released to them and to have Jesus crucified. Peter also says that even though Jesus was put to death, God still raised him up and fulfilled God’s promises. Even when we sin, God will extend his forgiveness when we repent for our wrongs. When we act out of ignorance in our lives, do we repent and ask for forgiveness?
– Victoria Zibell
A True Encounter
Liam Lawton
G-8668 · SATB, keyboard, guitar
Along this Holy Way
Chris de Silva
G-8672 · SATB, cantor, assembly, keyboard, guitar
Emmaus
Tony Alonso
G-7099 · Two equal or mixed voices, keyboard, guitar, opt. flute, clarinet, handbells
Holy Spirit Alleluia
Arr. Rob Glover
G-8699 · SATB, cantor, assembly, keyboard, guitar, opt. flute, clarinet, handbells
The Road Leads on Again
Bob Moore
G-5346 · Two equal or mixed voices, assembly, keyboard, guitar, opt. C instrument
On the Journey to Emmaus
Arr. Marty Haugen
G-4278 · SATB, assembly, keyboard, guitar
More suggestions for the Third Sunday of Easter…
Deo Gloria Alleluia: Easter Gospel Acclamation Carol Browning • SAB, cantor, assembly, keyboard, guitar, flute • G-6402
Have Mercy, Lord Timothy Valentine, arr. Peter Valentine • SATB, assembly, reduction • G-6114
Hearts on Fire Timothy R. Smith • SATB, descant, assembly, keyboard, guitar • 008925
I Believe that I Shall See: Psalm 27 Scott Soper • SATB, cantor, assembly, keyboard, guitar • 006451
I Saw Water Flowing / Alleluia: Rite of Sprinkling and Gospel Acclamation for Eastertide James Biery • Unison with descant, SATB, cantor, assembly, organ • G-8469
In the Breaking of the Bread Michael Ward • SATB, descant, assembly, keyboard, guitar • 007950
Jesus Be Known to Us Janet Sullivan Whitaker • SATB, cantor, assembly, keyboard, guitar • 009006
Show Us Your Face Kathleen M. Basi • SAB, cantor, assembly • 009435
Striving after God Undine Smith Moore • SATB, reduction • G-6413
Three Epistle Motets: Let Us Love One Another / Christ Is an Offering / We Are God’s Children Paul Nicholson • SATB, reduction • G-7593
Your Sacrifice Thomas Lucas • SATB, assembly, keyboard, guitar • 001210
