In my lectio of today’s reading, this is the phrase that captured my heart: While they were still in credulous for joy, and were amazed … Jesus, risen from the dead stands in the midst of his closest friends.

Friends of Jesus were overwhelmed with joy and disbelief. It is a reminder for me that I do not need to have it all together when I meet the risen Lord. Meeting Christ comes with many different emotions all at once. The Lord welcomes this vulnerability and honesty as I throw myself before him.

Jesus does an amazing thing at this moment. He asks them for something to eat and they give him a baked fish. Jesus wants to eat with us. He wants to be with us. In this communion, he opens the scriptures and fills us with understanding.

Paschal season is about encountering the Risen Christ who opens our minds through the witness of the apostles. We, too, become his witnesses today. As Peter preached in Solomon’s Portico and witnessed the power of the name of Jesus, we also become witnesses of the same Christ in our lives.

We are incredulous for joy! Jesus calms our many emotions as he invites us to touch his wounds and believe.