In our journey through these opening days of the Easter season we have noticed a couple of layers of meaning and significance as the disciples have encounters with the Risen Christ. One has been the ongoing doubt and confusion of the disciples, a sign of the utterly new - and therefore hard to grasp - thing that God has done in the resurrection of Jesus. Another layer has been the way in which, precisely because of this new thing that God has done, we are called to be changed. The power of death is broken and we are set free for deeper lives of faith and holiness and joy. There is a third layer, however. Each of these experiences of Jesus, and we'll see yet one more this Sunday, lead to action. Mary Magdalene is charged with being "the Apostle to the Apostles": go and tell the others. Last Sunday Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit into the huddled, frightened disciples and gave them the ministry of reconciliation: whosoever's sins you forgive are forgiven... And this week the travelers to Emmaus will finally recognize Jesus as he breaks bread, and then run back to Jerusalem to share the news with others.

Our encounter with the Risen Christ is not just for our own salvation and internal joy; it calls forth a response. We are always called to share the good news with others - in word and deed. Where and when have you shared the hope of Easter this week? What opportunities is God giving you to be a joyful disciple?