Tuesday in the Octave of Easter

Meditation on Witness, Conversion, and New Life

On Easter morning, the Church proclaims the joy of encountering the Risen Lord.

In Acts (Acts 2:36-41), Peter announces that the crucified Jesus is now Lord and Christ, calling the people to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit.

In the Gospel, Mary Magdalene’s sorrow turns to joy when Jesus calls her by name. She becomes the first witness of the Resurrection, proclaiming, “I have seen the Lord.”

Together, these readings remind us that Easter faith is not only about believing, it is about responding. Like the crowd at Pentecost, we are called to conversion. Like Mary Magdalene, we are sent to witness. The Resurrection changes hearts, restores hope, and sends ordinary people to share extraordinary news.

As a parish community, we ask ourselves: How does the Risen Christ call us by name today? And having encountered Him, how are we being sent to proclaim new life to our families, our neighborhoods, and our world?

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, April 7, 2026

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

The Risen Christ is Made Known to Us in the Breaking of the Bread

The Easter season invites us to recognize the Risen Lord not only through extraordinary events, but through transformed hearts and renewed vision.

In the first reading (Acts 3:1-10), Peter says to the man crippled from birth, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ… rise and walk.” The miracle that follows is not merely physical healing, but a restoration of dignity, joy, and praise. The man does not walk away quietly, he enters the temple walking, jumping, and praising God.

In the Gospel (Luke 24:13-35), two discouraged disciples walk away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus. They know Scripture, they know the events, yet they do not recognize Jesus walking beside them. It is only when he breaks the bread that their eyes are opened. Then they realize the truth: their hearts were burning within them as he spoke and opened the Scriptures.

Together, these readings reveal an Easter truth: the Risen Christ is recognized when we allow him to lift us up, to walk with us in our confusion, and to feed us at the table. Like the man at the temple gate and the disciples on the road, we are transformed when we encounter Jesus—not through riches or power, but through faith, Scripture, and the breaking of the bread. Having recognized him, we are sent, renewed, back into the world to proclaim: The Lord has truly been raised.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, April 8, 2026

Thursday in the Octave of Easter

From Fear to Peace: Witnesses of the Risen Lord

Today’s readings reassure us that Jesus meets us with patience, peace, and understanding.

In the Gospel (Luke 24:35-48), the disciples are not brave or confident when Jesus appears. They are afraid. They are unsure. Yet Jesus does not scold them. Instead, He comes close, greets them with peace, and reassures them gently: “It is I myself. Do not be afraid.” How comforting that is for us. Many times, we also come to prayer carrying fears, doubts, or questions. Like the disciples, we may believe and still struggle. Jesus knows this. He meets us where we are. He invites us to touch His wounds, to see that He is real, alive, and present. He even shares food with them, showing that He is truly with them in ordinary life.

In the first reading (Acts 3:11-26), Peter reminds the people that healing and new life come from God, not from human power. And when he speaks about sin and mistakes, he does so with compassion. He recognizes that people often act out of ignorance or fear. Still, Peter’s message is full of hope: God never gives up on us. Repentance is not about shame—it is about starting again, about letting God refresh our hearts and lives.

The Psalm gently reminds us that we are deeply valued by God. We are not small or forgotten. God has created us with care, crowned us with dignity, and entrusted us with His creation. Even when we feel weak or unworthy, God sees us with love.

At the end of the Gospel, Jesus calls the disciples witnesses, not because they are perfect, but because they have encountered His mercy. He calls us the same way today. We witness Christ not only with words, but with our lives: through kindness, forgiveness, patience, and faithfulness.

May we hear Jesus speak peace into our hearts today, and may we leave knowing that we are never alone. The Risen Lord walks with us.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, April 9, 2026

Friday in the Octave of Easter

Encountering the Risen Lord to continue the mission

In today’s readings, one message echoes strongly: the risen Lord is present and powerful, even when we do not immediately recognize him.

In the first reading from Acts (Acts 4:1-12), Peter boldly proclaims that the healing of the crippled man happened in the name of Jesus Christ. This same Peter, who once denied Jesus out of fear, now speaks with courage before religious authorities. His transformation reminds us that the Resurrection changes not only circumstances, but hearts. There is no salvation in any other name, because only Jesus conquers death and gives true life.

The Gospel (John 21:1-14) shows the disciples returning to ordinary life, they go fishing. They work all night and catch nothing. How familiar this feels. Many times, despite our effort, we feel empty or unsuccessful. Yet at dawn, Jesus stands on the shore. He is close, but unrecognized. Only when they trust his word and cast the net again does abundance appear. Obedience and trust open our eyes to the presence of the Lord.

Finally, Jesus invites them to eat. He does not scold their doubt or absence. Instead, he prepares breakfast. This simple gesture reveals a profound truth: the Risen Christ meets us in everyday moments, nourishing us and restoring us for mission.

As a parish community, we are called to witness boldly like Peter, trust like the fishermen, and gather around the Lord who feeds us with love. This is the day the Lord has made—let us rejoice and be glad.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, April 10, 2026

Saturday in the Octave of Easter

Sent to Speak What We Have Seen and Heard with Courage

The readings today speak powerfully about courage born from encounter.

Peter and John (Acts 4:13-21) stand before the authorities not as learned men or trained theologians, but as witnesses. What astonishes the Sanhedrin is not their education, but their boldness, a courage clearly rooted in their companionship with Jesus. Even under threat, they cannot remain silent: “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” Their faith is not abstract; it is personal, lived, and undeniable.

The Gospel (Mark 16:9-15) echoes this urgency. The risen Jesus sends his followers out into the world, despite their doubts and failures to believe at first. He does not wait for perfect faith. Instead, he entrusts real people with the mission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” The resurrection transforms fear into purpose and disbelief into mission.

Psalm 118 (Psalm 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21) becomes our prayerful response. God is our strength and courage; God opens the gates of justice and life. Gratitude flows from remembering what God has done and continues to do in our lives. We do not proclaim the Gospel alone. We speak because God has already acted.

As a parish community, we are invited to reflect: Where has Christ met us? How has God answered us? Our witness may not be eloquent, but like Peter and John, it can be truthful. And today, that is more than enough.

Father Sebastien SASA, PhD, MPA

Pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church

West Valley City, April 11, 2026