Gospel: April 8, 2026
April 8, 2025 (Wednesday)
Octave of Easter, Wednesday
Psalter: Proper (White)
Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.
1st Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
That same day, two followers of Jesus were going to Emmaus, a village seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking to each other about all the things that had happened. While they were talking and debating these things, Jesus himself approached and began to accompany them, but their eyes were not able to recognize him. He asked, “What is it you are talking about?” The two stood still, looking sad. Then the one named Cleophas answered, “Why, it seems you are the only traveler to Jerusalem who doesn’t know what has happened there these past few days.” And he asked, “What is it?”
They replied, “It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet, you know, mighty in word and deed before God and the people. But the chief priests and our rulers sentenced him to death. They handed him over to be crucified. We had hoped that he would redeem Israel. It is now the third day since all this took place. It is also true that some women of our group have disturbed us. When they went to the tomb at dawn, they did not find his body; and they came and told us that they had had a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive. Some of our people went to the tomb and found everything just as the women had said, but they did not find a body in the tomb.”
He said to them, “How dull you are, how slow of understanding! Is the message of the prophets too difficult for you to understand? Is it not written that the Christ should suffer all this, and then enter his glory?” Then starting with Moses, and going through the prophets, he explained to them everything in the Scriptures concerning himself. As they drew near the village they were heading for, Jesus made as if to go farther. But they prevailed upon him, “Stay with us, for night comes quickly. The day is now almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. When they were at table, he took the bread, said a blessing, broke it, and gave each a piece.
Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; but he vanished out of their sight. And they said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us when he was talking to us on the road and explaining the Scriptures?”
They immediately set out and returned to Jerusalem. There, they found the Eleven and their companions gathered together. They were greeted by these words: “Yes, it is true, the Lord is risen! He has appeared to Simon!” Then the two told what had happened on the road to Emmaus, and how Jesus had made himself known, when he broke bread with them.
Reflection:
Their hearts burned with renewed hope.
The Emmaus story captures the beauty of encountering the risen Christ in unexpected ways. Two disciples, overwhelmed by grief and confusion, journey away from Jerusalem. As they walk, a stranger joins them, unfolding the Scriptures and revealing how the Messiah’s suffering leads to glory. Though they did not recognize Him, their hearts burned with renewed hope.
At the breaking of the bread, their eyes are opened—they realize the stranger is Jesus. In that moment, joy replaces despair, and they rush back to share the Good News. This story reminds us that Christ walks with us, even when we don’t recognize His presence. Even when we feel overwhelmed by doubt or grief, Jesus is there. He speaks to our hearts through Scripture and reveals Himself in the Eucharist and the simple moments of life.
Our Emmaus journeys remind us to seek Christ in ordinary moments and stay open to His presence. By doing so, we can experience the joy and hope of resurrection, just as the disciples did when they recognized Jesus and returned to Jerusalem to share the good news.
