EXCERPTS from the Homily of Fr. Bienvenu Mayemba, SJ Visiting Professor @ Sophia University.

3rd Easter Sunday, 12 Noon Mass, St Ignatius Church Readings: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 ;1 JN 2:1-5A; LK 24:35-48

We live in a world where we need peace and peacemakers. When we watch the news, read newspapers, check online articles or social media, we realize that so many people are longing for peace, so many families are divided, friendships are broken, countries have war, violence, or political tensions and conflicts. Pope Francis published an exhortation letter Gaudete et Exsultate: Rejoice and be Glad. On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World. He said that gossipers are enemies of peace and cannot be blessed because the world of gossip does not bring peace. He also said that holiness is not just about spirituality or prayer. It is also about spreading peace around us. Only the one who is humble can become a peacemaker because building peace requires humility. It is a craft that demands serenity and creativity.

In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us of the power, value and meaning of peace. He asked them, "Why are you troubled? And why all these questions in your hearts? He knew that his disciples were in need of peace in their hearts, minds and bodies. So, He let the light of his face and presence shine upon them! That is the meaning of “Peace be with you!" When the disciples felt that their world or social network was collapsing, when they were looking for someone to wipe away their tears or to roll away the stone of fear, Jesus stopped by to give them peace and health! He stood in front of them to reassure them that he is Alive, Present and Active. And they needed to trust again and have confidence in Him - not living in fear, not seeing terrifying ghosts everywhere, never losing hope or faith.

As the First Reading reminds us, believers should keep their memory of God’s presence alive and always keep in mind that nothing is impossible with God. This God is awesome! He is a way maker! He is the God of miracles who kept his promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the God who saved his people in Egypt and who raised Jesus from the dead.

He is the God who, through the Second Reading, says that knowing and loving Christ should not be just a theory or just a doctrine. It should be an attitude, a way of living, a way of bearing witness, and that includes spreading peace, teaching peace, campaigning for peace, being committed to peace, wishing others peace, praying for peace.

In this Easter Season, we are reminded that when God gets involved great, beautiful and wonderful things happen to us. Yes, when we open ourselves to God and embrace Him, when we let Him enter our lives and touch our hearts, minds, and lips, we find joy, health, hope, peace, and love. Some even find that they begin to change, trust, pray, live, love, and smile AGAIN. Let us pray today,

“May God give peace and health to our hearts, our minds, and our surroundings, our families, countries and our community. My sisters and my brothers, “Peace be with you!”