3rd Sunday of Easter: The Emmaus Experience, Lk 24:13-35

04-23-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Bing Colasito

Cleopas and another disciple were on their way to Emmaus when Jesus started walking with them and explained everything that transpired and how the Scriptures contained all these truths about the Messiah, Jesus. Feeling they needed to know more and evening was setting in, they asked Him to stay with them; Jesus responded by giving them a great gift: the Eucharist, by which they could enter into a deeper relationship; and at the same time be more present with them. Receiving the Blessed Sacrament is entering into a profound communion with the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The experience of the two disciples who allowed Jesus to enlighten them with the Scripture, from Moses down to the Prophets, changed their lives. The church uses this event of Emmaus to teach us a powerful lesson: If we allow Jesus to journey with us, to be in our midst - He can change our lives. Jesus is always present in our midst; we only need to be more conscious of His trinitarian presence. Please, never doubt the presence of God in our lives. The simple prayer I learned from another priest can help make the presence of God in our life tangible: Father, you are here. Jesus, you are here. Holy Spirit, you are here. We can be the other unnamed disciple in the story and make the Emmaus experience our own walk of faith. A journey that started in sadness and gloom with the thought of the death of Jesus into the joy of Easter FAITH.

We all experience trials and tribulations, a walk to the lowest moment of our lives. Taking the experience of the two disciples, all we need to do is invite Jesus, the divine wisdom - to enlighten our minds and hearts. Unlike the disciples, who did not know yet that Jesus had risen, this truth was already established, and the breaking of the bread is now a sacrament of the Eucharist. Christians had their eyes opened long ago that Jesus is actually with us and could always be in our midst. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. In the Eucharist, Jesus is truly present.

The difficulty with many, and even with faithful brothers and sisters in Christ - is the tendency to focus on what is missing and not see the graces and blessings. And sometimes see more of the Lord in their trials and suffering, even blaming Him. It would be better if we see Jesus more in our tribulations and use them as a means to lead us to the risen Lord. Lord, I am lost and confused when things do not go my way, but if this is a means to be closer to your heart, I willingly accept.

In other cases, some blessings can prevent recognizing Jesus in our lives. Some physically, materially, and socially blessed peoples celebrate blessings; but forget the giver, God. We are all recipients and not sources of our blessings. Let us always remember that we are recipients more than achievers of blessings. That is to say: We have received more than we have achieved in life.

Lord, please help us recognize You in all our journeys and acknowledge Your presence in our lives.