Easter 3 – Keeping Jesus Present in Our Lives

Keeping Jesus Present in Our Lives

A short reflection based on Luke 24:13-35 and 1 Peter 1:17-23

Sometimes we, like the couple walking to Emmaus, feel lost in disappointment or confusion. Life throws us unexpected hardships. We may pray, hope, or search for signs of God, but still feel alone. Yet, as Luke's Gospel reminds us, Jesus often walks beside us even when we don’t realise it. He shows up not in grand miracles, but in everyday moments: a kind word, a shared meal, an act of grace.

Cleopas and his wife only recognised Jesus when they welcomed him in, shared food, and broke bread together. In that simple act of hospitality, their eyes were opened. Christ wasn’t gone; he was simply waiting to be seen in the ordinary.

The reading from 1 Peter echoes this with a call to "love one another deeply from the heart." It’s a reminder that Jesus is present whenever we live with compassion, offer welcome, and love courageously. These small acts are not small at all; they are sacred.

Today, in a world longing for connection, peace, and justice, we are called to live as if Christ is among us – because he is. He is there in the neighbour we help, the stranger we welcome, the traditions we honour with integrity.

When we share generously, walk attentively, and love deeply, our hearts too might burn with recognition. Jesus is not a distant memory. He is a present companion. We just need to make space for him to be seen.

Jesus is often found in the ordinary, not the extraordinary.

Deep, heart-level love makes Christ visible in our communities.

Ngā mihi
Philip

Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-easter-3-19-april-2026