Were not our hearts burning? - A Reflection

Third Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14, 22-33
Ps 16:1-2,5,7-11
1 Peter 1:17-21
Luke 24:13-35

On this Third Sunday of Easter, we are still experiencing the inexpressible joy over Jesus' victory over death. As Peter proclaimed to the Jews of Jerusalem, Jesus had been delivered up to be crucified and had been put to death by evil men, and yet..."God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death, because it was impossible for him to be held by it" (Acts 2:24) This was good news!

Our Risen Lord could not keep this joyous miracle a secret either, for we know from Scripture that Christ appeared to many of his followers at different times in order that they might believe he had truly risen and to instruct and prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. They would then leave fear behind and begin their public ministry of proclaiming the Good News of the Resurrection.

Today's Gospel relates one of the appearances of the risen Christ. The disciples did not recognize Jesus as he travelled with them on the road to Emmaus. His resurrected body seemed different to them. Even as Jesus explained the Old Testament prophecies pertaining to the Messiah, their understanding of who was speaking to them remained clouded. It was only at the table after they arrived at their destination, were their eyes opened and "...he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread." (Luke 24:35)

These beautiful words have deep meaning for us today, as we gather together for Mass to listen to the Word and to receive Our Lord's Body and Blood. We find him in Scripture and we recognize him in the breaking of the Bread, just as his disciples did so long ago.

We believe that the Blood of Jesus has saved us. Jesus has conquered death; so the fear that death is the end of everything and not the beginning, has been broken.

We realize that our life here on earth is only temporary; that we are actually on a journey that will take us back home... to the place where we will rest in God's Light forever.


~ Image from Hermano Leon