My dear friends, the gospel of this Sunday still describes the amazing news of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. The news kept spreading every second and minute as against the tragic death of Jesus on Good Friday and the terrible fear it instilled among the followers and disciples of Christ. But with the fact and reality of the resurrection, believers started sharing boldly the story of Jesus at every corner of the communities. People started joining the fellowship of prayer and breaking of the bread. The Christian community as well as the support for the poor grew rapidly in different cities. People sold their property in support of the Christian communities as they now share things in common in accordance with the teachings and footsteps of the risen Lord.
However, among the disciples of Christ, there were those who were still living in doubt and fear; those deeply affected by the tragic event of Good Friday. Thomas was one of them. Some others, like the two disciples in the gospel today, were still confused and wondered what would happen next. They were sharing their deep concerns and thoughts as they walked to Emmaus when Jesus accompanied them, walked with them like a stranger as he knew they were unable to recognize him.
Walking with Jesus
I believe that Jesus walks with us in our life journeys. If he can offer himself for us, there is nothing he cannot do. Sometimes, when we are distressed and troubled, we think that the Lord has abandoned us. But experience has shown that it is at those times that he is more than ever closer to us. That he is silent does not mean that he is absent. In such moments, he walks by our sides to lead us safely home to our destination.
This is very evident in this gospel as he joined and accompanied his two disciples on their route to Emmaus. He looked like a stranger and prevented them from knowing him until the appointed time at the breaking of the bread. They were unable to recognize him at their first meeting because of their human limitations, their unsettled fears, and disappointments. But Jesus allowed them to share their disappointments and fears over the death of Jesus and the stories of his rumored resurrection as he patiently listened to them. That tells us that Jesus is always willing and wants to listen to us. We are never alone. He wants us to share our problems with him. But if we want to recognize him as he walks along with us, we need to invite him into our lives and challenges.
The Invitation of Jesus to Stay
Jesus revived the spirit of the disciples as he spoke to them. They were deeply inspired and encouraged as he lifted up their minds and hearts to God with his Words. He reminded them of what the Scriptures had said. He was about to depart from them when they invited him to stay with them because it was getting late to continue the journey. His acceptance to stay made a difference because they were able to recognize his real presence at the breaking of the bread. No wonder the Eucharist is described as the source and summit of all the church’s activities. The disciples at the recognition of his real presence must have shouted in amazement: “My Lord and my God.”
Apart from the recognition of our Lord in the Eucharist, we also recognize him in his Word and other Sacraments – remember the burning in the hearts of the two disciples as he talked to them. We recognize him in the sacrament of reconciliation as we confess our sins for granting of pardon and peace through his priests who are his representatives on earth. And, we recognize him at the anointing of the sick for healing and salvation of the sick. We recognize him in prayer as we communicate with him. We must be disposed to accept and recognize him in his word and Sacraments as our companion to share our life with him.
Peace be with you.
