RESPONDING TO THE RISEN LORD (SUNDAY REFLECTION)

SCRIPTURE READINGS

ACTS 2:14a, 36-41
1 PETER 1:17-23
LUKE 24:13-35

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Responding to the Risen Lord”. To “respond” means to act or reply in answer to something that has happened. In this context, it is our heartfelt reaction to the truth that Jesus Christ is alive. The “Risen Lord” refers to Jesus, who conquered death and was raised to life by God. The key lesson from our Scriptures is that a true response to the Risen Lord involves a change of heart, a life of holiness, and a commitment to tell others the Good News. This reflection looks at the early church in Acts, the teachings of Peter, and the famous journey to Emmaus to help us understand how we should live today.

The Call to Repentance and Transformation

The first way we respond to the Risen Lord is through repentance and transformation. In the Book of Acts, after Peter explains that Jesus is both Lord and Messiah, the people are deeply moved. The Bible says, “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38).

Responding to Jesus is not just about feeling sorry; it is about a total change of direction. When we realise that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, we cannot stay the same. For example, if someone has been living a life of dishonesty or anger, responding to the Risen Lord means turning away from those habits and asking the Holy Spirit to renew their mind. Peter further reminds us that this new life is not based on things that fade away, but on the eternal Word of God: “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God” (1 Peter 1:23).

Living in Reverent Fear and Holiness

A second response to the Risen Lord is to live a life that honours Him. Since we know that Jesus is our Judge and our Saviour, our daily conduct should reflect His holiness. Peter instructs us, “Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear” (1 Peter 1:17). This “fear” is not about being terrified of God, but about having deep respect and love for Him.

Practical holiness means choosing to do what is right even when no one is watching, simply because we love the Lord who bought us with His blood. We are reminded that “it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed… but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect” (1 Peter 1:18-19). When we understand the high price Jesus paid, our natural response is to live purely and love others deeply.

Recognising His Presence and Witnessing to Others

Finally, responding to the Risen Lord means recognising His presence in our lives and sharing that joy with others. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples did not recognise Jesus at first. However, after they invited Him to stay with them, “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognised him” (Luke 24:30-31).

Once they realised Jesus was alive, they could not keep the news to themselves. Even though it was late, “They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them… saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen’” (Luke 24:33-34). Today, we respond to Jesus by spending time with Him in prayer and the “breaking of bread” (Holy Communion). When our hearts burn within us because of His Word, we must become witnesses. Just as those disciples ran seven miles to share the news, we should be enthusiastic about telling our friends and family that Jesus is alive and working in our lives.

Conclusion

In summary, “Responding to the Risen Lord” requires us to repent of our sins, live holy lives in reverent fear, and witness to His presence with joy. We have seen that the Risen Lord changes everything—He opens our eyes, restores our hope, and gives us a new purpose.

My call to action for you today is this: Do not let the news of the Resurrection be just a story you hear. Open the door of your heart and invite Him to stay with you. Commit to turning away from old ways and start sharing your experience of Christ with someone this week.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, we thank You for the victory of the Resurrection. Open our eyes to see You working in our lives today. Help us to repent truly, to live holily, and to be bold witnesses of Your love. Stay with us, Lord, and transform us by Your Spirit. Amen.