3rd Sunday of Easter: The Road to Emmaus

04-14-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Divine Mercy Sunday, we reflected on Thomas' experience and moving confession of faith. Today, the Gospel brings us back to the experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and the unbelief of the Apostles on the first day of Easter. Cleopas and another disciple left Jerusalem frustrated and defeated when they met Jesus. Initially, they did not know it was Jesus and how they finally recognized Him in The Breaking of the Bread.

Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus and explained the Scriptures to them from the Patriarch down to the Prophets about the Messiah. They did not understand anything not because of the hardness of their hearts but because they were slow to accept revelations. So, Jesus opened their minds and hearts to allow them to see the whole picture, the grand scheme of His Father. When they informed the Apostles of their encounter with Jesus, though this was the second time they heard that He was Risen, they persisted in their doubts. The hour has come to lead the Apostles out of their fears and doubts. He strengthened their faith and gave them the courage to be His witnesses. Jesus set the stage for them to become Easter people. Let us be Easter people by opening our minds and hearts to the ways of God. Let not our selfish, limited, biased opinions cloud our Easter faith.

The Apostles had three years of formation with Jesus. They have seen countless miracles and witnessed the raising of Lazarus. Jesus prophesied twice about His passion, death, and resurrection. Thus, among the Jews, we would think they were the most prepared to accept the possibility of the resurrection. But still, they were surprised to encounter the glorious risen Lord. Jesus had to open their minds to understand the Scriptures. Because of this, the Apostles had two solid bases for the resurrection of Jesus: the physical evidence of Jesus and the inspired prophecies of Scripture.

Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? (Lk. 24:38) Jesus is asking us the same questions today. Jesus invites us not to allow the vanities and cares of the world to sow the seed of doubt in our hearts and bring worries and fears to our lives. What is bothering us right now? Finances? Health? Relationships? Jesus invites us to the Eucharist. Let the breaking of the break open our hearts to the wonderful mystery of His Resurrection. He invites us to be an Easter people.

Let the Risen Christ calm our fears and anxieties with His greeting: Peace be with you! Jesus said: Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me. (Jn. 14:1) Have faith and trust that God can heal our troubled past and strengthen us for our present realities and uncertain future.

Somebody said: Growing older means growing closer and becoming dearer to God; having a measure of peace, serenity, and tons of gratitude in our hearts. Let us always ask the Lord to give us that Easter perspective, that Easter heart, and that Easter smile. To be an Easter Person today, tomorrow, or every day of our lives.

God measures success by our ability to forgive, our willingness to give, our treatment of others, how we live our lives, and the values we uphold love and kindness for others.