Wednesday, April 8, 2026

 

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

In the depths of sorrow and in the heights of satisfaction, people tend to forget God’s mercy.  In today’s gospel the two disciples are so dejected they do not notice that the risen Jesus has come to is accompany them.  He must remind them of all that he foretold about his passion, death, and resurrection.

He comes in the Eucharist as well. He tells the story of liberation from both tyranny and sin.  More than that, he invites his listeners to a supper of bread turned into his body and wine converted to his blood.  He does not want anyone to despair that their prayers are not heard or their deeds are worthless. 

Right now, wars wage in the Ukraine and Gulf region, nations are at a loss to deal justly with immigrants, and men are losing their souls to pornography.  We must both pray and act, act and pray.  We pray that the Holy Spirit, which raised Jesus to new life, may charge the minds and hearts of world leaders to establish peace with justice for all.  We perform voluntary acts of kindness and goodwill as tiny steps toward the universal common good.

Wednesday, April23, 2025

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.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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.

Sunday April 23, 2023

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER,

(Acts 2:14.22-33; I Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35)

Disciples walking together: this phrase can describe the background of today's gospel. It also represents how Pope Francis sees the "The Synod on Synodality”. As all of us should know by now, the pope has already launched this new way of being Church. He wants synods, whose Greek root means walking together, to become the way of the Church to share the different perspectives and hopes of its members. In other words, he wants much more dialogue among all who make up the Church. By a close look at this gospel we can identify other characteristics of a synodal Church.

The passage says that Jesus approaches the two disciples and begins to talk to them. Jesus Christ had the primary place at the Second Vatican Council sixty years ago. In fact, the most central document of the council, the dogmatic Constitution on the Church, is called “Lumen gentium”, that is, “the light to the nations”, who is none other than Jesus Christ. By Baptism all kinds of people have been incorporated into him – both women and men; both secular and religious, as well as the ordained. For this reason, Pope Francis wants everyone to be heard in the conversation about how to carry out the mission of the Church in our time.

Some worry that such an expansive conversation will end in changes never imagined in the past. However, we have the Scriptures and the tradition of the Church to keep us on the path marked out by Jesus. This gospel points out how Jesus explained to them all the passages of Scripture that referred to him. These same Scriptures, of course joined by the New Testament, continue to determine what is valid and what is prohibited today. It would betray the Lord to exchange His word for the current ideas of the world.

In the passage Jesus highlights the need for the Messiah to suffer. To gain victory over sin and death Jesus had to suffer the cross. As members of Jesus Christ, it is ours to participate in that cross. The suffering touches on sexual issues that often seem like the biggest concerns in the world today. It is difficult for couples to practice the teaching of the Church on contraceptives. It is difficult for homosexuals as it is for nuns, priests, and the unmarried to maintain chastity with yearnings for intimacy like everyone else. However, by making sacrifices in these ways we can draw closer to the Lord Jesus.

He certainly wants to stay close to us. In the gospel Jesus stays with his companions to break bread. This is not just a cozy dinner but the Eucharist. In it Jesus gives us himself as sustenance for the spiritual life. The Eucharist itself will drive the synodal process forward. It indicates that our objective is not to follow the ways of the world but to conform to the will of God. It teaches that the treasure that stays with us forever is not found in the stock market but in the love shared in the community. It points out that while there are different roles in the functioning of the Church, we are all equally dependent on Christ.

Pope Francis has proposed synods of all types of the faithful as the way of putting the Second Vatican Council into practice. He does not want to change the structures of the Church established in history. Rather, he wants the structures to be more faithful to the ways of Jesus. He sees the synods as footbridges over which we all cross together the troubled waters of this world. He sees them as our communal bridge to Christ.

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

 Wednesday of the First Week of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

More than in the other gospels, in Luke’s Jesus is constantly on the move.  At the beginning of his ministry, he sweeps through Galilee preaching the good news.  After establishing a base in Capernaum, he goes off again to bring back to life the widow’s son in Naim.  Before the gospel is half finished, Jesus turns to Jerusalem. For the next ten chapters, he preaches and heals on the upward journey to his destiny.  In today’s passage, he is met on the road again.  Seemingly out of nowhere, he joins two of his disciples journeying to Emmaus.

In the account of their walk together, Jesus open’s the eyes of his companions.  Feeling their disillusionment because of his brutal death, he shares with them that it was predicted in the Scriptures.  When they reach their destination, Jesus breaks bread with them.  And while eating, he reveals who he is and that he has risen from the dead.  They would share more with him, but he goes off on another journey.

Like these disciples, we would have Jesus linger with us a long time.  We have many questions to ask him and would just like to know him better.  He is not reluctant to be with us.  But we have to meet him on the road of ministry.  Our ministry need not be vigorous like St. Paul’s.  It may even be that of prayer like Ana, the old woman who welcomed Jesus in the temple as a baby.  Whatever we do, it must be of service to God.

Wednesday, April 7, 2021

Wednesday of the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

There is a legend about St. Thomas Aquinas which may help us understand this resurrection appearance.  Toward the end of his life when writing about the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection, Thomas was praying before a crucifix.  Suddenly a voice came from the image, “Thomas,” it said, having written most of his famous Summa, Thomas was praying before a crucifix.  He heard a voice from the crucifix say, “You have spoken well of me, Thomas, what shall be your reward?” Thomas replied, “Nothing other than thee, Lord.”  Serious biographers of Thomas doubt the story’s veracity.  Nevertheless, it does relate Thomas’ devotion to prayer before the crucifix and his insights into the Paschal mystery.  It can be said that there is much truth in this legend.

Today’s gospel in many respects is a reflection on the Eucharist.  The two disciples, of whom nothing is known except one was called Cleopas, may be Christians of any era.  Their walk to Emmaus may be a way of saying how they enmeshed themselves fully in life.  Then Jesus accompanies them as he meets his followers at mass.  He interprets the Scriptures for them by showing how “the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.”  The disciples discover that it is Jesus when he breaks bread with them.  Thus, the story likely refers to Christians having Jesus’ spiritual accompaniment through the ups and downs of life.  They further meet him physically in the Eucharist.

If this is a legendary story, some will want to ask if Jesus really rose from the dead.  Or is the resurrection supposed to mean only an uplifting of hearts when Christians celebrate the Eucharist?  This same gospel gives a positive answer, “Yes, Jesus rose.”  When the disciples in the story return to Jerusalem, they are told, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon.”  The apostle Paul notes this appearance to Simon Peter and a few others as well.  The story assures us that we may have an experience of the risen Christ by giving faithful attention to the Eucharist. 

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

A good number of years ago now Dinner with Andre made its debut.  Almost the entire movie shows two actors having a conversation over dinner in a fine restaurant.  They talk about the meaning of life and how their lives enter into that meaning.  In a way the gospel today parallels this movie.

Jesus talks with two of his disciples on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Because two days earlier he was crucified, the disciples can hardly imagine that their fellow traveler is their teacher.  Yet his words touch their hearts.  They burn within as he explains all that the Scriptures say about their teacher.  When they reach their destination, they share a meal.  In breaking bread, they realize who their companion is.  He is their beloved teacher and Lord, risen from the dead.

The same Lord presents himself in our daily Eucharist.  Here we hear of him in the readings from Scripture, especially the gospel.  Here we hear his explanation of himself in the words of the priest.  Here we meet him – face to face, as it were – in one another.  Sometimes in his presence to us we actually feel ourselves burning within.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Wednesday of the First Week of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Lucas 24:13-35)

Today’s gospel is different from other accounts of Christ appearances after his resurrection.  Its length and its motion distinguish it from his appearances near his tomb, in the locked room, and even by the seashore.  Perhaps it is because of these differences that it has become the favorite appearance account among Christians.

In many ways the narrative resembles the Christian experience of the Eucharist.  It takes place on the first day of the week.  Jesus is present but cannot be seen by the travelers.  The Old Testament is explained in homiletic fashion.  Most of all, it ends with a blessing of bread and recognition of Christ’s physical presence.

Once in a while during Sunday mass we feel like the disciples on the road to Emmaus.  “Our hearts burn(ing) within us” perhaps because the homily is especially insightful or a hymn resonates with our lives.  Or maybe it is the presence of other people who have been nurtured by faith to a particular greatness.  In any case, we find in this gospel passage valuable instruction.  It teaches us how to experience the risen Lord every time we gather for Mass.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Wednesday within the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

In the novel A Day with a Perfect Stranger a woman is seated between two men on an airplane.  One of the two begins to moralize with her.  The other allows her to use the armrest.  Which of the men do you suppose to be Jesus?

On the road to Emmaus the disciples find in Jesus the perfect companion.  He engages and inquires, lets them express themselves and then explains to the point of inspiring.  The shock comes at the end of the journey when they discover in breaking bread with their supposedly new-found friend that Jesus is their gracious companion.

We may wonder what the risen Christ looked like.  The gospels do not offer much of a portrait.  He evidently could be easily mistaken as with Mary Magdalene in yesterday’s passage or even unnoticed as with the two disciples today.  Yet his presence becomes evident in the breaking of the bread.  All this is to say that Jesus reveals himself in the Eucharist where we may meet him daily. 

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Wednesday of the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

We say Christ is present in the Eucharist in various ways.  He is present in the members of the congregation through Baptism, especially in the priest consecrated to lead the faithful.  He is also present in the passages of Scripture, which is the word of God.  Most importantly, Christ is present in the bread and wine when then are blessed and broken to be shared by all.  The disciples on the road to Emmaus discover this reality as they sit at table with their guest.

The resurrection appearance in today’s gospel is primarily an encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.  This is not to say that Cleopas and his unnamed companion did not visually see Christ.  Rather, it invites Catholics to recognize him every time they take part in the Eucharist.  For the grace to have full effect they should carefully participate by singing the hymns, listening to the readings, including their personal intentions among the many expressed, and entering mindfully into the Eucharistic prayers.

We often take advantage of Mass time as a retreat from the busyness of life.  It is time apart, in a usually comfortable space, giving a sense of approval.  But it avails us much more than respite.  The Eucharist enables us to deepen our relationship with Jesus.  He brings more than completion to our lives; he brings us an eternal destiny. 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

Twenty years ago a devotional dialogue called “Footprints in the Sand” captured the Christian imagination. Preachers used it in homilies, printers drafted it on holy cards, and anthologists included it in contemporary prayer books. Few believers throughout the world failed to get its message of Jesus loyalty throughout life’s vagaries. We can find the prototype to that inspirational dialogue in today’s gospel.

Jesus’ two disciples seem to have a spirited conversation as they walk from Jerusalem. But when the Lord catches up to them, their deeper emotion is revealed. They look “downcast” as they explain to their new companion about their dashed hopes in Jesus. However, as Jesus breaks bread with the two, their enthusiasm returns without limit. They not only recognize that he is with them, but they hurry back to the place of their initial disappointment to proclaim his resurrection from the dead.

Most of all, the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus affirms Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist. There we hear the word of God, have it explained by the priest acting on behalf of Jesus, and experience his spiritual support in the consecrated bread and wine. Like the two disciples here, we are to go forth from mass to proclaim Jesus to the world.

Homilette for Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

(Acts 3:1-10; Luke 24:13-35)

Some of us may be disappointed that the gospels do not give a physical description of Jesus. Try as we might, we never find a word about his stature, his complexion, or any distinguishing mannerism, other than that he spoke with authority. Once a journalist wrote that he was short since the Gospel of Luke mentions that Zacchaeus has to climb a tree to see him. However, the more common interpretation of this story is that Zacchaeus is the little guy.

Perhaps since Jesus is so nondescript in the gospels, it should not strike us as altogether peculiar that his disciples do not recognize him at first glance after the resurrection. Both Mary Magdalene in yesterday’s gospel reading from St. John and the two disciples today in Luke’s gospel fail to distinguish the Lord from ordinary people. Until he speaks with his old authority, that is. Then his words go straight to the heart. Mary is lifted out of her fog of grief when he mentions her name. The disciples too achieve insight as he blesses and breaks the bread.

We are used to seeing pictures of a long-haired, blue-eyed, bearded Jesus, but these are surely idealized portraits. Rather than seek his image, we should listen for his words. He calls us by name in Baptism as surely as he calls Mary Magdalene in the graveyard. He pronounces the same blessing over the bread and wine in the Eucharist as he does for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Like these disciples, we are commissioned to tell others of his resurrection. As peculiar as it may sound, we are to say that he is the one whom we visit at mass. We hear his words in the gospel, and we shake his hand in the breaking of the bread.

Homilette for March 26, 2008

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

(Luke 24:13-35)

Some of us may be disappointed that the gospels do not give a physical description of Jesus. Try as we might, we never find a word about his stature, his complexion, or any distinguishing mannerism, other than that he spoke with authority. Once a journalist wrote that he was short since the Gospel of Luke mentions that Zacchaeus has to climb a tree to see him. However, the more common interpretation of this story is that Zacchaeus is the little guy.

Perhaps since Jesus is so nondescript in the gospels, it should not strike us as altogether peculiar that his disciples do not recognize him at first glance after the resurrection. Both Mary Magdalene in yesterday’s gospel reading from St. John and the two disciples today in Luke’s gospel fail to distinguish Jesus from other people. Until he speaks with his old authority, that is. Then his words go straight to the heart. Mary is lifted out of her fog of grief when he mentions her name. The disciples too achieve insight as he blesses and breaks the bread.

We are used to seeing pictures of a long-haired, blue-eyed, bearded Jesus, but these are surely idealized portraits. Rather than seek his image, we should listen for his words. He calls us by name in Baptism as surely as he calls Mary Magdalene in the graveyard. He pronounces the same blessing over the bread and wine in the Eucharist as he does for the disciples on the road to Emmaus. Like these disciples, we are to tell others of his resurrection. As peculiar as it may sound, we are to say that he meets us at mass. There we hear his words in the gospel and touch his body in the breaking of the bread.