Dear Friends in Christ,
This Sunday’s Gospel teaches us much about our Catholic Faith, especially about the importance of Mass and Holy Eucharist. A careful reading of the Gospel also teaches us how we can grow closer to God with increased desire.
The Gospel is about two disciples of Jesus who are leaving Jerusalem heartbroken as they reflect upon the terrible events of Jesus’ arrest, Passion and death. All seems lost and they do not know how to move beyond their grief. Almost on cue, a stranger approaches them and begins a
conversation with them which will change their lives.
This stranger begins to engage them by sharing Scripture with them. Strangely, their hearts begin to burn with hope and new vitality. It is this change of heart that leads them to invite the stranger in to stay as evening draws near. It is an invitation they will never regret extending.
The disciples recognize the stranger’s identity when He does something familiar, namely celebrating Mass. After He consecrates bread and wine, He vanishes from their sight but does not depart. Jesus remains with them in the Holy Eucharist He has made. This is the new way He will be with the Church in the centuries until He comes again in glory.
Do we realize that when we receive the Eucharist we are actually meeting the Risen Christ Himself? This fact this Sunday’s Gospel makes clear. How do we grow in greater desire for the Lord and become more enthusiastic for our faith? It is, as Jesus teaches us, through studying Scripture and sharing it with others. In this way our hearts will not be lackluster towards faith but will burn strongly with love for God in faith.
Jesus draws near to us, sometimes unrecognized, as we struggle with sorrowful hearts. Through the grace the Holy Eucharist brings us, we are strengthened and uplifted, aware we are never alone. May we grow in Easter joy as we reflect upon the Emmaus Gospel.
In Christ,
Fr. Michael