Wednesday of the Octave of Easter
(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)
The account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is often read as a parable of life. Young people frequently
flee Jerusalem, a symbol of faith and holiness.
They are tired of rules and self-criticism; they want to have fun.
By God’s grace they may meet someone like Jesus who will
listen to their needs and point out how they misunderstand the Christian faith. It is not about self-restriction but about
freedom. Christ came to free humans from
the tyranny of sin and the oblivion of death.
He wants his followers to love one another – not looking for another’s
faults but assisting his or her development.
In the end those who left Jerusalem go back. They have come to realize that the happiness
they seek is not in the pursuit of their own pleasure. Rather, it is found in knowing and caring for
the good people who make up Christ’s Church.
