It is 15th April 2018. We celebrate the third Sunday of the Easter. The readings are from Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; the second reading is from 1 John 2:1-5; and the Gospel from Luke 24:35-48. The readings suggest that we all need to be a vibrant and inspiring witnesses for the Risen Lord. The Catechism points out in CCC.1709: “In union with his Saviour, the disciple attains the perfection of charity which is holiness. Having matured in grace, the moral life blossoms into eternal life in the glory of heaven.” Holy Father Pope Francis urges us to strive for holiness in his latest exhortation ‘Rejoice and be Glad’ Nos. 129-133: “ Holiness is boldness, an impulse to evangelize and to leave a mark in this world. [The Lord] bids us spend our lives in his service. We are weak, yet we hold a treasure that can enlarge us and make those who receive it better and happier. Boldness and apostolic courage are an essential part of mission. In the first reading, St. Peter pointed out the ignorance of the people and how they were misguided by the evil ones that led them to sin and exhorting them to repent. Who is misguiding you and me to crucify and move away from Jesus today? Who are those people in our lives, in our churches, in our communities misguiding us to wound the Lord and betray the teachings of Jesus? Are we really a witness or a fun-filled spectator of all that is unfolding in our lives? The responsorial Psalm prays, “Lord, let your face shine on us.” (Ps.4:7). In the second reading, St John invites us to return to the Lord as early as possible, to obey His Words of life and to lead a life of charity. “Whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection.” (1 Jn.2:5). Authentic witnessing to Jesus is possible in perfecting ourselves day by day with all our strength and weakness in charity. “In No.135 in the same exhortation, Pope Francis encourages us telling God is not afraid then why should be afraid to be the witness to the truth. “So if we dare to go to the fringes, we will find him there; indeed, he is already there. Jesus is already there, in the hearts of our brothers and sisters, in their wounded flesh, in their troubles and in their profound desolation. He is already there.’ In the Gospel, St. Luke presents us with the first appearance of Jesus to the disciples and shows them His wounds and dines with them. Jesus wanted them to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins in His name to all people from their country of origin. “You are witnesses of these things.” (Lk.24:48). We who believe in Him need to speak and behave in a way that the world may believe that we are not just remnants but living witnesses for the Lord. May God bless you.