4/3/2024 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 24:13-35

13 That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
14 and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
15 And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
16 but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”
19 And he replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,
20 how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him.
21 But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place.
22 Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning
23 and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive.
24 Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”
25 And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!
26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”
27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.
31 With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.
32 Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”
33 So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them
34 who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”
35 Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

4/3/2024 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 24:13-35

In the gospel reading above, we uncover a journey that mirrors our own walks through doubt, despair, and ultimately, discovery. This passage tells the story of two disciples on the road to Emmaus, their hearts heavy with the events that unfolded in Jerusalem. As they walk and discuss these events, Jesus Himself draws near and walks with them, though they do not recognize Him. This scene beautifully illustrates that even when we are unaware, Jesus walks beside us in our moments of confusion and sorrow.

The disciples share their disappointments and confusion with this stranger, speaking of a hope that was crucified. Jesus, in response, begins to open the Scriptures to them, explaining the events from Moses through all the prophets that spoke of Him. This act of unfolding the Scriptures is a gentle reminder that understanding and hope often come through engaging with God’s Word, even when our hearts are troubled.

The climax of this encounter occurs when they sit to break bread together. In this act of fellowship and breaking of bread, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Jesus. This moment is a profound testament to the ways in which Jesus reveals Himself to us in the ordinary and sacred moments of our lives, often when we least expect it.

Jesus invites us to reflect on the times we’ve walked our own roads to Emmaus, wrestling with doubt and seeking answers. It assures us that Jesus walks with us, even when we are oblivious to His presence. It’s in the sharing of our stories, the engaging with Scripture, and in the breaking of bread that our eyes are opened to recognize Him.

May this story inspire us to remain open to the unexpected ways Jesus might be walking with us, ready to reveal Himself in our everyday moments, turning our despair into hope and our confusion into clarity.

Go to read further gospel reflection.

You may also watch the video version below.