To walk with Jesus in our journey of faith

Acts 3:1-10; Psalm: 104; Lk 24:13-35

Today’s Gospel recounts the story of the two disciples who were walking on the road to Emmaus on the day of the resurrection. This passage is rich with symbolism and meaning, and offers many lessons for reflection. As we consider this passage in the context of Wednesday in the Octave of Easter, we are drawn into a deeper understanding of the mystery of the resurrection and its significance for our lives.

The two disciples on the road to Emmaus are filled with confusion and grief over the recent events of Jesus’ crucifixion. They are discussing these things when Jesus himself comes and walks with them, but they do not recognize him. This detail is a poignant reminder of how often we fail to recognize the presence of Jesus in our own lives, especially in times of difficulty and confusion.

As they walk, Jesus engages the disciples in conversation, explaining the scriptures to them and helping them to understand the significance of his death and resurrection. This demonstrates Jesus’ deep love and care for his disciples and his desire to guide them in their understanding of God’s plan for salvation. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of studying and meditating on the scriptures to deepen our faith and understanding of God’s word.

The disciples invite Jesus to stay with them, and as they sit down to eat, Jesus takes bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them. It is in this moment of breaking bread that their eyes are opened, and they recognize Jesus as the risen Lord. This powerful image of the breaking of bread is a foreshadowing of the Eucharist, in which we too encounter the risen Christ in the bread and wine of the Mass.

After recognizing Jesus, the disciples are filled with joy and excitement, and they rush back to Jerusalem to share the good news with the other disciples. This response underscores the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ in our lives and the urgency of sharing the message of his resurrection with others.

This passage also challenges us to reflect on our own response to the resurrection of Jesus. Are we filled with doubt and confusion, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, or do we recognize the presence of the risen Christ in our lives and respond with faith and joy? Are we willing to open our hearts to Jesus and allow him to reveal Himself to us in the breaking of bread?

As we reflect on this passage on the Wednesday in the Octave of Easter, we are reminded of the central message of the Easter season – that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and has conquered sin and death once and for all. This truth should fill us with hope and joy, knowing that we too will share in his resurrection and eternal life.

In our own journey of faith, we are called to walk with Jesus, just as the disciples did on the road to Emmaus. We are called to study the scriptures, break bread with one another, and share the good news of the resurrection with all we meet. And we are called to open our eyes and hearts to the presence of the risen Christ in our midst, and respond with faith and joy.

May we take this time in the Octave of Easter to reflect on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and ask God to help us recognize his presence in our lives, and respond with faith and joy. May we be filled with hope and confidence in the power of the resurrection, and share the good news with all we meet, knowing that Jesus Christ is truly risen, now and forever.