Acts 2:14, 22-23; 1 Pet 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35
The gospel talks about two frustrated disciples who are moving away from Jerusalem because they believe what happened there in the past days proved them wrong. The man that they had hoped would liberate them from the Roman occupiers had been crucified and killed. The shameful death of Jesus on the cross meant defeat and the end of their aspirations for a better life. They heard astonishing reports that the tomb of Jesus was found empty and that the Lord might have risen from the dead, but these disciples would not take them seriously. And thus, they are leaving Jerusalem with broken spirits and going to a small village called Emmaus, perhaps hoping to find consolation for their great sorrow.
Along the road, the Risen Christ joins the two disciples but they recognize him not. The Lord inquires about their plight and listens to their answers and frustrations. He seems disappointed at their poor perception, but patiently he explains to them the painful event in Jerusalem in the light of the Scriptures. He leads them to understand that the Messiah had to suffer and die in order to enter into his glory, and that his passion and death were the means to bring salvation to the world.
Like the two disciples, we would end up disappointed with Jesus if we mistake him for someone else. For example, we would be frustrated if we think Jesus is a king who likes to be served and feared. Our tendency would be to offer as many burnt offerings in the temple or material goods in the Church, hoping to please or pacify the Lord. Actually, Jesus is not this kind of a God. He is like Yahweh who desires mercy, not sacrifice (Mt 9:13). He would prefer our little works of mercy for the poor and the less fortunate.
Similarly, we would be frustrated if we consider Jesus like a vending machine which gives us what we want after we drop some coins. Our tendency would be to give donations, pray, or observe commandments in exchange for a favor asked. Actually, the Lord is not a vending machine, but a responsible father who knows what is good for us. He would grant our request only if it is not harmful to our wellbeing. Sometimes, he would delay in responding to our prayers in order to make us grow in faith. Moreover, he would like us to be generous, to pray, or to obey God’s will because we see their value, rather than to use these good actions as bargaining power.
We also would be frustrated if we believe that Jesus is a terminator of sinners, ready to punish and destroy those who commit wrongdoings. This understanding is wrong because Jesus is a God of mercy and compassion. He wants to save people and to bring all into his kingdom. If sinners would humble themselves and repent from their evil ways, they would also find themselves in heaven.
After explaining the meaning of the recent events in Jerusalem, Jesus gave in to the request of the two disciples to stay a little while in the house. He sat down at table with them, blessed the bread, gave thanks and broke it. All of a sudden, we are told, the eyes of the disciples were opened and they recognized the Risen Lord in their midst. This is the Lord that they came to know – one who lived with them, ate with them, and shared their joys and sorrows. In Jesus, we come to understand that God is one who loves as so much to the point of sharing everything human, except sin.
It is important that we get a good knowledge of the heart of Jesus for us to find peace and joy in following him. Hopefully, the Risen Christ would inspire in us a robust faith that would make us strong amidst trials and difficulties in life.
The gospel talks about two frustrated disciples who are moving away from Jerusalem because they believe what happened there in the past days proved them wrong. The man that they had hoped would liberate them from the Roman occupiers had been crucified and killed. The shameful death of Jesus on the cross meant defeat and the end of their aspirations for a better life. They heard astonishing reports that the tomb of Jesus was found empty and that the Lord might have risen from the dead, but these disciples would not take them seriously. And thus, they are leaving Jerusalem with broken spirits and going to a small village called Emmaus, perhaps hoping to find consolation for their great sorrow.
Along the road, the Risen Christ joins the two disciples but they recognize him not. The Lord inquires about their plight and listens to their answers and frustrations. He seems disappointed at their poor perception, but patiently he explains to them the painful event in Jerusalem in the light of the Scriptures. He leads them to understand that the Messiah had to suffer and die in order to enter into his glory, and that his passion and death were the means to bring salvation to the world.
Like the two disciples, we would end up disappointed with Jesus if we mistake him for someone else. For example, we would be frustrated if we think Jesus is a king who likes to be served and feared. Our tendency would be to offer as many burnt offerings in the temple or material goods in the Church, hoping to please or pacify the Lord. Actually, Jesus is not this kind of a God. He is like Yahweh who desires mercy, not sacrifice (Mt 9:13). He would prefer our little works of mercy for the poor and the less fortunate.
Similarly, we would be frustrated if we consider Jesus like a vending machine which gives us what we want after we drop some coins. Our tendency would be to give donations, pray, or observe commandments in exchange for a favor asked. Actually, the Lord is not a vending machine, but a responsible father who knows what is good for us. He would grant our request only if it is not harmful to our wellbeing. Sometimes, he would delay in responding to our prayers in order to make us grow in faith. Moreover, he would like us to be generous, to pray, or to obey God’s will because we see their value, rather than to use these good actions as bargaining power.
We also would be frustrated if we believe that Jesus is a terminator of sinners, ready to punish and destroy those who commit wrongdoings. This understanding is wrong because Jesus is a God of mercy and compassion. He wants to save people and to bring all into his kingdom. If sinners would humble themselves and repent from their evil ways, they would also find themselves in heaven.
After explaining the meaning of the recent events in Jerusalem, Jesus gave in to the request of the two disciples to stay a little while in the house. He sat down at table with them, blessed the bread, gave thanks and broke it. All of a sudden, we are told, the eyes of the disciples were opened and they recognized the Risen Lord in their midst. This is the Lord that they came to know – one who lived with them, ate with them, and shared their joys and sorrows. In Jesus, we come to understand that God is one who loves as so much to the point of sharing everything human, except sin.
It is important that we get a good knowledge of the heart of Jesus for us to find peace and joy in following him. Hopefully, the Risen Christ would inspire in us a robust faith that would make us strong amidst trials and difficulties in life.
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