Daily Readings - Wed Apr 24 2019
Luke
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;16but they were kept from recognizing him.17He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?"18They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"19"What things?" he asked.20"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?"27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther.29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke 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.