25 April 2027 · Syro-Malankara Rite
Open in the Daily Word appAlso: Syro-Malabar Rite · Latin Rite · മലയാളം
“And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
The risen Lord stands among his frightened disciples: “Peace be with you… Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.” He eats before them. Then “he opened their minds to understand the scriptures”: the Messiah had to suffer and rise, and “repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations… You are witnesses of these things.”
In the evening Gospel the risen Christ gives the great commission on a mountain in Galilee: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The Church exists to evangelise.
Peter discovers in the house of Cornelius that “God shows no partiality”: the Gospel is for every nation. St Paul calls every Christian an ambassador: “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation… So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us.” This is why the Church honours the laity today: the mission is not only for priests and religious, but for every baptised person in family, work and society.
Job's fortunes were restored when he prayed for his friends; Solomon received wisdom when he asked for it. Let us ask the risen Lord for the wisdom and courage to be his witnesses, knowing that he is with us always.
Theme: “I am with you always.”
The Risen Lord shows the disciples his hands and feet, opens their minds to the Scriptures, and sends them to all nations. The Gospel of this Sunday is the Church's charter of mission.
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” Isaiah 49:15–16
“He said to them, “Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself.”” Luke 24:38–39
Apply: In moments of fear this week, look at a crucifix and remember: he has not forgotten you.
“The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” Exodus 34:6
“Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”” Acts 10:34–35
Apply: Reject every prejudice against people of other castes, languages or religions.
“In a time of favor I have answered you, on a day of salvation I have helped you; I have kept you and given you as a covenant to the people.” Isaiah 49:8
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19–20
Apply: Support the missions with prayer and an offering; teach the faith to the children in your family.
The Risen Christ shows his wounds, opens the Scriptures, forgives and sends.
Let us be his witnesses, confident that he is with us always.
Take-home resolution: Pray for missionaries, especially those from Kerala serving in other lands.
Dear brothers and sisters, the disciples are gathered, frightened and confused, when the risen Jesus stands among them: “Peace be with you. Why are you frightened? Look at my hands and my feet; it is I myself.” He even eats a piece of fish in front of them. The Resurrection is not a ghost story; the Lord is truly alive, body and soul.
Then he opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, and gives them a task: repentance and forgiveness of sins must be proclaimed in his name to all nations. “You are witnesses of these things.” In Matthew he says it on a mountain: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations… And remember, I am with you always.”
This command is not only for priests and sisters. St Paul says every Christian is “an ambassador for Christ”. Today our Church honours the laity, because most of the world will never hear a sermon from a priest; they will only see Christ in you: in your honesty at work, your patience at home, your kindness to the poor, your courage to say “I am a Christian.”
Job was restored when he prayed for his friends. Solomon received wisdom when he asked. Let us ask the risen Lord for wisdom and courage, and go out from this Qurbono as his witnesses. He has promised: “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Amen.
Children, before Jesus went back to heaven, he gave his friends a big job: “Go and tell everyone about me!”
And he made a promise: “I will be with you always.” Jesus is with us every day, at school, at home, everywhere.
You can tell others about Jesus by being kind and honest. Let's say: “Jesus, I will be your helper!”
Risen Lord Jesus, you opened the minds of your disciples and sent them to all nations. Open our minds to the Scriptures, make us your ambassadors in our families and work, and keep us faithful to your promise: I am with you always. Amen.