Gospel reflections – Third Sunday of Easter
26 April 2020
The Emmaus story (Luke 24:13-35)
In the last few weeks, we have been hearing stories of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. We are very much blessed to listen to these stories again and again each year. These are stories which we can by now remember by heart. Surprisingly, we never get bored with these stories. There are also many stories of life that we have listened to as our elderly grandparents and parents repeat them. In most of these stories, we already know the conclusions; yet it remains a joy to listen to them again. In recalling these stories, the narrator’s life lights up; we sense the senses, the feelings, and the emotions of the narrator as we listen to them. In a way, we are drawn into the stories themselves.
In his writings, St Luke draws us into the story of the resurrection and the life of Jesus. How easily we relate to the birth of Jesus, to the last supper, or to the resurrection story. In the Gospel today, the story of the journey to Emmaus draws us into the encounter of the two disciples with the risen Jesus. The feelings of Cleopas and his companion were recalled as they narrated the events that had happened in Jerusalem. Their feelings and emotions were expressed in how they stopped their walk, their faces downcast; how they were astounded by the women with the news that they cannot find the body of Jesus, and how their hearts burned within them in their conversation with Jesus.
We are also drawn into the figure of Jesus. The risen Jesus appeared to the two disciples in a very subtle way. Like the evening shadows of the setting sun, Jesus settled gently into their stride and joined in their conversation. How easy it is to enjoy his companionship and conversation as one enjoys the rays and colours of a sunset. How difficult it is to recognise Jesus for who he is much as one cannot look directly at the sun. It is only in the glow of a lighted lamp that when the light is a little dimmer and the light shines on what is essential that the risen Lord is recognised. He is recognised in the ritual gesture of a community meal.
Like many grandparents’ stories, we are drawn into the very person with whom we relate to. The story of the Covid-19 virus and the MCO will be narrated in time to come. Our memories and the experiences of 2020 will be shared to our young ones. Today, our little ones do not understand why they cannot go out to play or to go to church for a real Mass instead of watching Mass on the TV or laptop. One day, our stories will be told and then they will understand. Stories will continue to be told. From these stories, we begin to appreciate and understand the person better. It is a process and journey of togetherness and of companionship. Faith is a journey of togetherness and companionship.
Jesus draws Cleopas and his companion and indeed the whole church into this journey itself. In telling his story and interpreting it in the light of Moses and the prophets, a relationship is created. This relationship is expressed in the gathering of peoples who come together to listen and to celebrate. This gathering is the church. It is in the church that we gather to listen to the Scriptures and to break the bread, the Eucharist. In the gesture of breaking the word and the bread, we recognise Jesus.
The recognition of Jesus begins with a journey.
Along the journey, we remind ourselves that Jesus himself will come up and walk by our side. Something may prevent us from recognising him. He may reprimand us for being foolish men or slow to believe the full message and the prophets. But yet he is with us.
Along the journey, we need to constantly invite the Lord to stay with us for the evening, for the day is almost over. To constantly let our heart burn within us in our search for him. To be able to recognize him in his gestures of blessing, breaking and sharing.
The Responsorial psalm is our prayer today, “Show us, Lord, the path of life” (Ps 15: 11).
Fr Patrick Heng
Rector
Blessed Sacrament Church, BDC, Kuching
