the road to Emmaus

(Lk 24:13-35): Two disciples of Jesus were going to Emmaus, a village seven miles from Jerusalem, and they talked about what had happened. While they were talking and wondering, Jesus came up and walked with them, but their eyes were held and they did not recognize him.

He asked, «What is this you are talking about?». The two stood still, looking sad. Then one named Cleophas answered, «Why, it seems you are the only traveller in Jerusalem who doesn't know what has happened there these past few days». And he asked, «What is it?». They replied, «It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet, you know, mighty in word and deed before God and the people.

But the chief priests and our rulers sentenced him to death. They handed him over to be crucified. We had hoped that he would redeem Israel. It is now the third day since all this took place. It is true that some women of our group have disturbed us.

When they went to the tomb at dawn, they did not find his body; they came to tell us that they had seen a vision of angels who told them that Jesus was alive. Some friends of our group went to the tomb and found everything just as the women had said, but they did not see him». He said to them, «How dull you are, how slow of understanding!

You fail to believe the message of the prophets. Is it not written that the Christ should suffer all this and then enter his glory?». Then starting with Moses and going through the prophets, He explained to them everything in the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they drew near the village they were heading for, Jesus made as if to go farther. But they prevailed upon him, «Stay with us, for night comes quickly. The day is now almost over». So he went in to stay with them. When they were at table, he took the bread, said a blessing, broke it and gave each a piece.

Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; but He vanished out of their sight. And they said to each other, «Were not our hearts filled with ardent yearning when He was talking to us on the road and explaining the Scriptures?».

They immediately set out and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and their companions gathered together.

They were greeted by these words: «Yes, it is true, the Lord is risen! He has appeared to Simon!». Then the two told what had happened on the road and how Jesus made himself known when he broke bread with them.

Today, the Gospel is inviting us to say the liturgy of these days of the Octave of Easter. Let us rejoice in knowing that today and forever Jesus resurrected stands among us.

He walks with us on the journey. But we must let him open our eyes of faith for us to realize He is present in our lives. He wants us to enjoy His company complying with what He said to us: «And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age» (Mt 28:20).

Let us walk in the hope we have knowing that the Lord will help us find a meaning in everything that we do in our lives. We have to do just like what the disciples did at Emmaus— we have to endure difficulties, setbacks, dejection.

In front of the different troubling events around us, we should know how to listen to His Word which will bring us to interpret them in the light of the plan of God's salvation.

Even though, at times, wrongly, we may think He is not listening to us, but He never forgets us; He always talks to us though we may, however, be lacking the good disposition necessary to listen, to meditate and to contemplate on what the Lord wants to say.

In a very troubled environment where we live, we often find people carrying, in the ignorance of God, a meaningless life.

Thus, it is our Christian task that we should understand and take the responsibility to become useful instruments for our Lord Jesus Christ to be able, through us, to come close and walk along with those around us.

Let us join hands and lead other people to an understanding that they are sons of God. Let us make them understand the fact that Jesus has loved them so much that He has not only died and resurrected for them, but He has decided to stay with them for good through the Holy Eucharist.

Bless us all in this season of Easter!