Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)
Surely of all the accounts of resurrection appearances the
one proclaimed today has most captured people’s attention. Movements are named after the “the Road to
Emmaus.” More than the others, it
coincides with the Christian’s personal experience of the risen Christ in the
Eucharist.
Catholics attend mass on Sunday just as the two disciples walk
to Emmaus on the first Easter. They hear
readings from Scripture, but how exactly the Word pertains to Christ, “mighty
in deed and word,” is not always clear.
So, Jesus in the person of the priest explains the relationship between
the two. Then the priest, again substituting
for Christ, breaks bread with the people.
As they eat the Bread, they realize that they are communing with the risen
Christ. Finally, they go to tell others
of Christ by their own “deeds and words.”
The “Road to Emmaus” summons both people and priests to
greater fidelity. Catholics need to attend
Mass anticipating encountering Christ in both Word and Sacrament. Meanwhile, priests should recognize their
awesome responsibility of representing Christ.
As we carry out these summonses, Christ will renew our lives in his glory.
