Gospel: April 23, 2025
April 23, 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 11 kilometers (7 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:
“Then their eyes are opened.”
Today we meet others who are left desolate at the death of Jesus. All their hopes seem dashed and there is nothing left but to go home. They have even heard the news that Jesus has risen, but it seems too bizarre to be true. They walk back to Emmaus, trying to make sense of things. Now they meet a mystery man, who opens their eyes to the full meaning of what seemed at first to be a horrible catastrophe. This is no failure; this is their salvation. This is no end, but the beginning of new life in the Risen Christ. Just like Mary of Magdala, they don’t recognize that this is Jesus. Their lack of faith prevents them from seeing clearly. And yet, even when they don’t recognize it, God’s grace is at work, just as it is in our lives, in so many ways. From deep within, their hearts are stirred with new hope and understanding, and this leads them to beg the mystery man to stay. And then their eyes are opened at the breaking of bread. Bereavement or crisis might have left us desolate, but Christ walks with us always, giving us new hope.
