Daily Readings - Wed Apr 24 2019
Luke
13And behold, two of them went out, on the same day, to a town named Emmaus, which was the distance of sixty stadia from Jerusalem14And they spoke to one another about all of these things that had occurred15And it happened that, while they were speculating and questioning within themselves, Jesus himself, drawing near, traveled with them16But their eyes were restrained, so that they would not recognize him17And he said to them, "What are these words, which you are discussing with one another, as you walk and are sad?18And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, responded by saying to him, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?19And he said to them, "What things?" And they said, "About Jesus of Nazareth, who was a noble prophet, powerful in works and in words, before God and all the people20And how our high priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death. And they crucified him21But we were hoping that he would be the Redeemer of Israel. And now, on top of all this, today is the third day since these things have happened22Then, too, certain women from among us terrified us. For before daytime, they were at the tomb23and, having not found his body, they returned, saying that they had even seen a vision of Angels, who said that he is alive24And some of us went out to the tomb. And they found it just as the women had said. But truly, they did not find him.25And he said to them: "How foolish and reluctant in heart you are, to believe everything that has been spoken by the Prophets26Was not the Christ required to suffer these things, and so enter into his glory?27And beginning from Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them, in all the Scriptures, the things that were about him28And they drew near to the town where they were going. And he conducted himself so as to go on further29But they were insistent with him, saying, "Remain with us, because it is toward evening and now daylight is declining." And so he entered with them30And it happened that, while he was at table with them, he took bread, and he blessed and broke it, and he extended it to them31And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their eyes32And they said to one another, "Was not our heart burning within us, while he was speaking on the way, and when he opened the Scriptures to us?33And rising up at that same hour, they returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them34saying: "In truth, the Lord has risen, and he has appeared to Simon.35And they explained the things that were done on the way, and how they had recognized him at the breaking of the bread
Sermon
In today's Gospel, we encounter two disciples on the road to Emmaus, their hearts heavy with grief and confusion following the crucifixion of Jesus. As they walk, they are joined by a stranger who is, unbeknownst to them, the risen Jesus. Their conversation reveals their shattered hopes, as they had believed Jesus to be the Messiah who would redeem Israel. Jesus listens patiently, then opens their eyes to the Scriptures, revealing how his journey of suffering and resurrection was foretold. As they reach Emmaus, Jesus breaks bread with them, and in that moment, they recognize him. He vanishes, leaving them to rush back to Jerusalem, eager to share the news of his resurrection.
This passage is set in the context of the days following the crucifixion, a time of despair and confusion for the disciples. Luke's narrative emphasizes the fulfillment of Scripture, as Jesus himself guides the disciples through the Old Testament, highlighting how his life, death, and resurrection were part of God's plan. The story underscores the importance of faith and understanding through the lens of Scripture, even in moments of darkness.
In our daily lives, we may often feel like these disciples—struggling to recognize God's presence amidst our trials. Yet, just as Jesus walked with them, he is with us, guiding us through life's challenges. The Eucharist, as seen in the breaking of bread, reminds us of the nourishment and grace we receive to sustain our faith. Let us, like the disciples, find joy in recognizing God's presence in our lives and in the community of believers. May we remain faithful, support one another, and always seek to understand God's plan, trusting in His divine providence.