“STAY WITH US, LORD, FOR IT IS ALMOST EVENING” (LK 24:29)
This was the invitation that the two disciples journeying to
Emmaus on the evening of the day of the resurrection addressed to the Wayfarer
who had accompanied them on their journey. Interestingly, the risen Lord enters
into the conversation as a stranger. How many of us are ready to let the
strangers in our life? Be careful! do not let Jesus go His way as you struggle
alone in life. Remember the words of
Jesus, “I was a stranger and you did not invite me in” Matt 25:43.
In the first reading, Peter tells us how God raised Jesus
from death, thus, fulfilling the Messianic prophecies about the promised
descendant of David. The responsorial Psalm is a Messianic prophecy, “the LORD
will not let his beloved one see corruption” Ps 16:10. By his resurrection he
placed a divine seal on his Messiahship and his true sonship of the father. Indeed,
the beloved one of God, Jesus Christ our Master is truly alive! The second
reading is Peters’ exhortation to the early followers of Christ to have faith
and Hope in God. They should rejoice because they are “redeemed” by the
precious blood of Jesus 1 Pt 1:18. By his blood Jesus paid for their redemption
from the bondage of sin.
The Gospel passage presents a story of how on Easter Sunday two disciples of Jesus, discouraged and devastated by what had happened, set out on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. These disciples had lost their faith and hope in Jesus. Their loss of faith and hope is due to the apparent failure of their “redemption” by Jesus, the Person they had trusted so much, Lk 24:21. The disciples expected a “redemption” of Israel from bondage to Rome. They did not understand that it was Jesus’ death which would pay the price of redemption from bondage to sin. While in their frustration they could not recognize Jesus. “While he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them.” It was at this moment that their eyes were opened and they were able to recognize him.
In our life, like the disciples, we
move to Emmaus when we have lost faith and hope, when we are discouraged with
life’s events. Today’s readings remind us that Jesus does not abandon us in the
moments when we are so much discouraged, sick, struggling financially, when we
have marital conflicts, broken relationships, academic failures etc. When we
least expect Him that is when He joins in our ‘story’ and listens to us
passionately as we reveal our struggles. Eventually, He will help us through in
our struggles. We shouldn’t lose faith and Hope!
Moreover, we are invited to meet Jesus in the
Breaking of Bread. In fact, whoever eats his flesh, he shall live forever, Jn
6:51. When we partake regularly and devotedly of this divine nourishment, our
faith will be strengthened to encounter the challenges of life. The Emmaus
event has to renew our love and active participation in the Eucharist
celebration. In it we are nourished by the Eucharist and the Word of God, which
should set our hearts ablaze. The Church teaches us that, “the Eucharist is the
source and summit of the Christian life” (Cf. CCC 1324). How prepared I’m I whenever I participate in the Eucharistic
celebrations? Is my heart set ablaze with God’s Word whenever is proclaimed? Do
I partake in the Eucharistic meal? May our faith and hope be strengthened by
the risen Lord.
Mane Nobiscum
Domine!
Aristede Amani
IV Year Theology
It was a grate homily which has encouraged me to remain with the risen Lord.
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