April 18, 2021: Third Sunday of Easter

Luke Chapter 24: 35-48

Two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way, and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to these things.”

Reflection

I laughed aloud when I read the first few lines of this story. Two apostles had realized on their walk to Emmaus that Jesus was with them. He had been walking along with them and had shared a meal. The two rushed on to Jerusalem to share this very story of Good News with the other apostles. When they arrive and are in the midst of talking about their encounter, Jesus AGAIN appears. Their reaction to Jesus is fear and surprise! What does it take to convince these apostles???

I am being too hard on these guys. I know the whole story, too. I still find myself surprised and fearful when I encounter Jesus in my daily life. Some days it is easier to walk on by and ignore the obvious appearances of Christ showing up on the road of my own life. I miss miracles and signs that are right in front of me. Thankfully, Jesus keeps showing up. I keep learning and re-learning this story, again and again.

Action

Set out for a walk today. Allow yourself to name the street or path you walk as your own Road to Emmaus. While walking along, recollect a time when you realized that Jesus was in your midst. How did you feel? What did you say? What did Jesus say to you? How did Jesus find you that day?