On the 3rd Sunday of Easter, the themes focus on recognizing Jesus. In Year A, the disciples on the road to Emmaus finally recognize Jesus when He breaks the bread. In Year B, Jesus appears to His disciples, showing them His wounds and sharing a meal. In Year C, Jesus appears to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, helping them catch fish and sharing breakfast. All these stories show us how Jesus reveals Himself in different ways, reminding us to always look for His presence in our lives.
Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.
3rd Sunday of Easter Year A
3rd Sunday of Easter Year B
3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A
See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A readings here.
- First Reading – Acts 2:14, 22-33: Peter stood up with the eleven apostles and addressed the crowd, explaining that the events they were witnessing were the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. Peter testified about Jesus and how his death and resurrection were also foretold by the prophets, and that Jesus had been raised from the dead by God.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 16: In this Psalm, the psalmist expresses trust in God as their refuge and source of counsel. They praise God for guiding them on the path of life, and express confidence that God will not abandon them but instead bring them to eternal joy in His presence.
- Second Reading – 1 Peter 1:17-21: Peter urges his readers to live in reverence and fear of God, knowing that they were ransomed by the precious blood of Christ. He emphasizes the eternal significance of their faith and encourages them to continue to trust in God, who raised Christ from the dead and gave them new life through Him.
- Gospel – Luke 24:13-35: Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking to Emmaus when they encountered a stranger who turned out to be Jesus, but they did not recognize Him at first. After Jesus spoke to them and broke bread with them, their eyes were opened and they realized that it was Him.
Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year B
See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year B readings here.
- First Reading – Acts 3:13-15, 17-19: Peter declares that by rejecting Jesus and choosing a murderer instead, the people and their leaders acted in ignorance. His death and resurrection fulfill God’s prophecy. Peter urges repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 4: In times of trouble, I call on God, who rescues and listens. His miracles affirm His faithfulness, and His light brings joy to my heart. In His care, I find unparalleled peace and security.
- Second Reading – 1 John 2:1-5: If we sin, Jesus Christ, the righteous, advocates for us. He atoned for our sins, extending beyond us to the whole world. True knowledge of Him is demonstrated by obeying His commands.
- Gospel – Luke 24:35-48: The disciples recounted recognizing Jesus by the breaking of bread. Jesus then appeared, offering peace and dispelling fears of his being a specter by showing his hands and feet and eating fish, demonstrating his physical resurrection. He explained scripture prophecies about his suffering, resurrection, and the call to spread forgiveness in his name, affirming their roles as witnesses.
Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C
See resources, homilies, and more for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year C readings here.
- First Reading – Acts 5:27-32, 40B-41: The apostles, questioned by the high priest, insisted on obeying God and rejoiced in their suffering for Jesus.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 30: The LORD saved me from my enemies and from death. I will thank and praise Him forever, for His mercy and favor bring joy and healing.
- Second Reading – Revelation 5:11-14: I saw countless angels praising the Lamb, and every creature joined in worship, giving honor and glory to God and the Lamb forever.
- Gospel – John 21:1-19: Jesus appeared to his disciples, guiding them to a miraculous catch. He shared breakfast and asked Peter three times if he loved him, instructing him to care for his followers.
More About Lectionary Cycles
To learn about the differences between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and which Bible translations are used at Mass, visit this resource. The Lectionary is a special book with selected Bible readings used in Mass. It organizes readings for specific days, like the 3rd Sunday of Easter. On this Sunday, we hear the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. The Lectionary helps us hear God’s Word in an orderly way, so we can grow in our faith each week.
How to Determine the Liturgical Year for the 3rd Sunday of Easter
The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.
- 2024 is Year B
- 2025 is Year C
- 2026 is Year A
- 2027 is Year B
- 2028 is Year C
- 2029 is Year A
- 2030 is Year B
- 2031 is Year C
- … and so on
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