3rd Sunday of Easter Year A

• 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.

The 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A, reflects on how the risen Jesus brings hope and understanding to His followers. The readings emphasize Jesus’ presence, the importance of faith, and the fulfillment of God’s plan.

• Jesus’ Presence in Our Journey: The Gospel tells the story of Jesus walking with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This shows that Jesus is with us in all moments of life, even when we do not recognize Him.
• Scripture Reveals Christ: Jesus explains the Scriptures to the disciples on the road. This reminds us that the Bible helps us understand Jesus and strengthens our faith.
• Faith Opens Our Eyes: The disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. This shows that faith allows us to truly see Jesus in the Eucharist and in others.
• God’s Plan Fulfilled: Peter’s speech in Acts highlights how Jesus’ death and resurrection were part of God’s plan. This reminds us that God’s promises are fulfilled through Jesus.
• Hope in Christ’s Resurrection: Peter’s letter speaks of hope through Jesus’ resurrection. This hope encourages us to live with trust, knowing Christ has conquered death.
• Eucharist as Spiritual Nourishment: The Gospel shows the disciples’ joy in sharing a meal with the risen Jesus. It reflects how the Eucharist nourishes and unites us with Christ today.

The themes of the 3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A, invite us to recognize Jesus in the Scriptures, in the Eucharist, and in our daily lives. The risen Jesus continues to guide, teach, and give hope to all who seek Him.

See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A.

Walking with Jesus: A Road to Emmaus Lesson Plan

This lesson plan for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A helps youth see Jesus as a real presence in their lives, just as He was on the road to Emmaus. It connects the Gospel story to daily experiences, showing how Jesus walks with us as a friend and guide. The lesson encourages students to recognize Jesus in Scripture, prayer, and the Eucharist, helping them grow in faith and trust.

Emmaus Walk Activity

The Emmaus Walk activity encourages young people to deepen their relationship with God through prayer, reflection, and personal testimonies, which can be transformative experiences. This activity is perfect for a youth ministry activity for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A. The mini-Emmaus activity is a great way for youth to engage in fun, engaging activities that help them deepen their understanding of what it means to be a Christian and to bear witness to the Good News of Christ.

Psalm 16: Trust, Joy, and Eternal Life

Psalm 16, the responsorial psalm for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, is a prayer of trust, hope, and joy in God’s care. It reflects the psalmist’s loyalty to God, confidence in His protection, and hope for eternal life. Catholics see this psalm as pointing to Jesus’ Resurrection, reminding us to place our trust in God now and in the hope of heaven. The psalm’s message aligns with the Easter theme of Jesus’ victory over death and encourages us to stay faithful to God.

A prayer based on Psalm 16 is also available.

Create Your Own Labyrinth

On the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, the Gospel of the Road to Emmaus echoes beautifully in the journey of a prayer labyrinth. Just as the disciples on the road encountered Christ in their walk and conversation, the labyrinth provides a path for pilgrims to encounter the Divine amidst their prayerful journey. In walking the labyrinth, one can reflect on how Jesus reveals Himself through Scripture and in the ‘breaking of the bread’, paralleling the disciples’ enlightenment. This physical and spiritual walk becomes a metaphor for the Easter journey, where moments of recognition and revelation unfold with each step, deepening our understanding of the risen Christ in our lives.

When You’re Walking the Wrong Way

In this homily for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. He explains how they were walking in the wrong direction but were met by Jesus, who walked with them and revealed the truth. Jesus patiently listens, then teaches them about God’s plan through Scripture and the breaking of the bread. The story shows the importance of the Mass, where we encounter Christ in the Word and the Eucharist. It reminds us to accompany others, help them see Jesus, and go out to share the Good News.

Walking Away

Restoring Hope on the Road to Emmaus

In this reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, Jeff Cavins explains how the story of the road to Emmaus is a model for the Mass. The disciples, initially discouraged, regain hope as Jesus teaches them through Scripture and reveals Himself in the breaking of the bread. Cavins emphasizes that the Word of God and the Eucharist can restore hope, just as it did for the disciples. He encourages regular participation in Mass, Bible study, and the practice of Lectio Divina as ways to rekindle faith and deepen our relationship with Jesus.

The Role of Hope

In this reflection related to the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the need for hope, especially during times of fear and discouragement. He contrasts Peter, who thought he didn’t need Jesus, and the disciples on the road to Emmaus, who thought Jesus was gone. Fr. Mike explains that true hope is trusting Jesus now and in the future, knowing we need Him and that He is always with us. He urges us to recognize Jesus’ presence, even when we don’t feel it, and to say, “Jesus, I need You, and I have You.”

Emmaus and Us

In this reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, Scott Hahn encourages us to see ourselves in the confused disciples on the road to Emmaus. He explains that Jesus reveals Himself by opening the Scriptures and breaking bread, just as He did at the Last Supper. Hahn emphasizes that the Eucharist reenacts this encounter, allowing us to recognize Jesus in our journey. Even when Jesus seems hidden, He remains present, offering Himself in the breaking of the bread at every Mass. The disciples’ plea, “Stay with us,” is fulfilled in the Eucharist, where Jesus stays with us always.

The 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A invites us to reflect on encounters with the risen Jesus. The readings highlight how Peter and the disciples on the road to Emmaus experienced Jesus’ presence in unexpected ways. These encounters strengthened their faith and filled them with new courage to share the Good News. As we reflect, we are called to open our hearts and recognize Jesus’ presence in our own lives.

Encountering the Risen Lord

The first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A features Peter’s speech to the crowd in Jerusalem. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter proclaims the Good News of Jesus Christ, starting with his own personal witness to the resurrection. Through his eloquent and persuasive speech, he invites the people to repent and to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

This passage reminds us of the transformative power of the resurrection of Christ. We are invited to renew our faith, to repent of our sins, and to live as faithful disciples of the Risen Lord. Like Peter, we are called to bear witness to this encounter, to proclaim the Good News of Christ, and to invite others to share in this life-changing experience.

May we be filled with the same Holy Spirit that inspired Peter’s speech, and may we bear witness to the Good News of Christ in our own lives.

Recognizing Jesus

It is unclear why the two disciples who walked with Jesus did not recognize him. However, it is possible that recognizing him so easily would have been too simplistic. Instead, they were forced to grapple with their feelings of disappointment and confusion as they conversed with him. They openly shared their emotions with him, which served as a model for us.

Often, during difficult times in our lives, we may not feel Jesus’ presence. However, we should speak to him candidly about our feelings, without fear of expressing our negative emotions and disappointment. Through such conversations, we may gain a fresh perspective.

Eventually, the two disciples were able to recognize Jesus clearly. Talking with him had transformed their hearts, turning them from despair to a passionate flame.

Transformative Encounters

The common theme in the readings for for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A is the transformative power of encountering the Risen Lord. Peter and the disciples on the road to Emmaus both experienced a profound encounter with Jesus, which transformed their lives and gave them the courage to bear witness to the Good News. They remind us that our faith is not just a set of beliefs, but rather a personal encounter with the living God, who has the power to transform us and to fill us with hope.

As we reflect on these readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, we are invited to ask ourselves whether we have truly encountered the Risen Lord in our lives. Have we experienced his transforming power? Are we willing to bear witness to his Good News, even in the face of opposition or persecution? May we open our hearts to the Risen Lord, who longs to encounter us and to transform us into his faithful disciples.

The 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A shows us that meeting the risen Jesus changes everything. Peter and the disciples went from doubt to bold witness, from sorrow to joy. We are reminded that Jesus walks with us, too, ready to renew our faith. May we seek and recognize His presence, allowing Him to guide us as we live as His faithful disciples.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to recognize You in our daily lives. Open our hearts to Your presence and teach us to share Your Good News with others. Fill us with the courage and joy that come from knowing You are with us always. Amen.

• How does Peter’s boldness in proclaiming the resurrection inspire me to share my faith?
• What are some ways I can be more open to the Holy Spirit in my daily life?
• Have I ever struggled to recognize Jesus in a difficult situation? How did I respond?
• What can I learn from the disciples’ honest conversation with Jesus on the road to Emmaus?
• Do I share my feelings openly with Jesus, even when they are negative or filled with doubt?
• How does the Eucharist help me recognize Jesus in my own life?
• What changes do I need to make in my life to better reflect the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection?
• How do I respond when others ask about my faith in Jesus?
• How can I help others experience the risen Jesus in their lives?
• In what ways can I strengthen my own relationship with the risen Lord this week?

These music selections reflect themes of encountering the risen Jesus, recognizing Him in the Eucharist, and being guided by His presence. Many of these songs focus on Jesus’ presence in the breaking of the bread, which echoes the disciples’ experience on the road to Emmaus. Other songs emphasize themes of faith, hope, and following Jesus’ guidance. Some selections invite us to open our eyes and hearts, helping us respond to Jesus’ call to bear witness to the Good News.

• All the Ends of the Earth
• Alleluia! Sing to Jesus
• Be Thou My Vision
• I Am the Bread of Life
• In the Breaking of the Bread
• I Want to Walk in the Presence of God
• Join in the Dance
• Lead Me Lord
• Let Us Break Bread Together
• Open My Eyes Lord
• On the Journey to Emmaus
• Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord
• Our God Is Here
• Three Days

If you are a music director or musician, consider trying some of these selections for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A. Choose songs that fit the themes of the readings and help the congregation connect with the message. Feel free to suggest other songs in the comments that capture the spirit of this Sunday.

What date is the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A?

The next date is Sunday April 19, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday of Easter Year B
3rd Sunday of Easter Year C

What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A?

The Mass readings for Sunday April 19, 2026 are:
First Reading – Acts 2:14, 22-33: Proclaiming the Resurrection
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 16: A Psalm of Trust in God
Second Reading – 1 Peter 1:17-21: Redemption through the Precious Blood of Christ
Gospel – Luke 24:13-35: Encountering the Risen Christ: The Road to Emmaus

What does Peter mean when he says Jesus’ death and resurrection were part of God’s plan in the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A?

Peter explains that Jesus’ death and resurrection were not accidents but part of God’s plan to save us. We can trust that God’s plan for us is also filled with hope, even when we don’t understand it right away.

How can we apply Peter’s words about living with hope from the second reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A?

Peter urges us to live as people of hope, trusting in God’s mercy. We can apply this by facing challenges with faith, remembering that Jesus has already overcome suffering and death.

Why does Peter stress faith in Jesus’ resurrection in the second reading?

Peter stresses this because Jesus’ resurrection gives meaning to our faith. It reminds us that our faith is built on the truth of Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

How does Peter describe hope in the second reading?

Peter says that our hope comes from Jesus’ resurrection, which is stronger than anything in this world. We should live with confidence, knowing Jesus has won victory over death.

Why didn’t the disciples recognize Jesus on the road to Emmaus in the Gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A?

The disciples were sad and confused after Jesus’ death. This clouded their understanding. Sometimes, we don’t recognize Jesus in our lives either, especially when we feel discouraged or lost.

How does Jesus help the disciples understand the Scriptures in the Gospel?

Jesus explains the Scriptures to help the disciples see how the Old Testament points to Him. This teaches us to read the Bible with the eyes of faith and look for Jesus’ presence in its words.

What is the importance of the breaking of the bread in the Gospel?

The disciples finally recognize Jesus when He breaks the bread with them. This reminds us of the Eucharist, where Jesus is truly present with us and strengthens us in faith.

What can we learn from the disciples’ experience on the road to Emmaus?

The disciples felt lost but found hope when they listened to Jesus. This shows us that when we are struggling, listening to Jesus through prayer and Scripture brings new understanding.

Why is Jesus’ presence so important in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A?

The readings show that Jesus is always with us, even when we do not see Him right away. His presence brings peace, hope, and understanding, which helps us in our daily lives.

What message should we take from the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A readings?

The readings remind us to seek Jesus in Scripture, in the Eucharist, and in daily life. They call us to have hope, faith, and trust in Jesus, who is always near.