Gospel: April 3, 2024

(Wednesday)

Octave of Easter, Wednesday

Psalter: Proper / (White)

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 105: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9,

Rejoice, O heart that seek the Lord.1st Reading: Acts 3: 1-10Gospel: Luke 24: 13-35That 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:“Jesus journey with them.”

Life is not merely a journey. It is also a pilgrimage. We journey with others. Hence, we should feel blessed to be considered a pilgrim people belonging to a Church that always renews itself. Listening begets renewal. This aspect of our ecclesial life was fully given emphasis, when from 2021 to 2023, the Catholic Church went through a synodal process of consultation involving as many faithful as possible, trying to be as listening as possible. We have embarked on a journey with a more listening attitude. Listening to each other is indeed an Easter gift. Today’s Gospel narrates the walk of the two disciples to Emmaus. They were moving away from Jerusalem, the place where they witnessed Jesus’ passion and death. As they were journeying, “Jesus drew near and went with them.” (Lk. 24:15) Jesus journeyed with them. Jesus listened to them. Upon listening to Jesus, their hearts were burning within them. In the end, they were able to recognize that it was Jesus, and they were renewed. Let us then continue our pilgrimage as a synodal Church and be continuously renewed by being together on the road, listening to each other, helping each other and caring for each other.