The season of Easter lasts for fifty days. After the joyful celebration of Easter Sunday, we have a whole season to reflect on Christ’s Resurrection, and on what it means for us. And the Gospels show us that Jesus’ disciples, too, needed some time to begin to grasp the meaning of the Resurrection. Today, we hear Luke’s account of Jesus appearing unexpectedly among them. He lets them see that he is truly risen, and not a ghost. He opens their minds to understand the scriptures, showing them that everything has happened to fulfil God’s plan. He brings the disciples peace and forgiveness of sins. And he sends them out to witness to all the nations. The mission of the Church began with the Lord’s commandment to preach repentance for the forgiveness of sins, and that mission continues today. By our baptism as Christians, we are witnesses.