See My Hands and Feet

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

Easter Season : First Week: Thursday*

*Gospel :  Luke 24:35-48*

*First Reading : Acts 3:11-26*

*Responsorial Psalm : 8: 2-9*

*See My Hands and Feet* 

*1) Why does Jesus say this?*

First of all, He is reassuring them. The disciples think they are seeing a ghost. Jesus invites them to look, touch, and even later eats in front of them. 

He is showing that: The resurrection is real, physical, not just spiritual. He is the same Jesus who was crucified—yet now alive

This is not illusion or imagination. It is a transformed, but real, bodily life.

*2) Why show His hands and feet?*

His hands and feet bear the wounds of crucifixion.

By showing them, Jesus is saying: “It is truly Me—the one who suffered and died.” His identity is inseparable from His sacrifice and love

The wounds are not erased in resurrection—they are redeemed.

This is powerful: God does not hide suffering; He transforms it.

*3) Deeper Reflections* 

*A) Continuity of identity* : The risen Christ is not someone new—He is the same Jesus who walked, loved, suffered, and died. Your past, too, is not discarded by God—it can be transformed.

*B) Peace in fear* : The disciples are troubled. Jesus responds not with rebuke, but with: Presence, Invitation, Assurance.  In your fear, faith begins not with perfect understanding, but with encountering Christ.

*C) Faith is grounded in reality* : Christian faith is not blind belief. Jesus invites for an examination: “Look”, “Touch”, and “See”. Faith engages both heart and mind.

*4) What is the significance for our life?* 

*A) The wounds speak hope* : The hands and feet remind us: Pain is not the end. Brokenness can become a place of grace. Your wounds do not disqualify you—they can become a testimony.

*B) God meets us in the ordinary* : Hands and feet are simple, human features. God is not distant—He comes into real, physical life.

*C) Love is proven through sacrifice* : Those hands healed, blessed, and were nailed. Those feet walked toward the cross. True love is costly, active, and faithful.

*5) The “hands and feet of Jesus” in our life*

This is where it becomes very personal.

*A) Christ’s presence through others* : We often experience Jesus through people who: Help us, Comfort us, Serve us. They become His “hands and feet” in the world.

*B) Our calling* : We are also invited to become His hands and feet: Serving the poor, Caring for the suffering, and Acting with compassion. Faith is not just belief—it is lived through action.

*C) In our own suffering* : Sometimes, we recognize Christ most deeply in our own wounds. When we suffer with love and hope, we share in His life.*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*