On the road to Emmaus, two disciples are traveling the wrong way – away from Jerusalem – when they are suddenly accompanied by Jesus, whom they do not recognize. Through the Scriptures and the Breaking of the Bread their hearts blaze with faith and they return to Jerusalem. Their encounter with Christ through the Word of God and the Eucharist inspires us to draw near to the Lord at every Mass, so that we might regularly get back on track as we encounter and follow Jesus.
Here are some of the main themes in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter.
1st Reading – Acts: 2:14,22-33
Peter preaches to the people about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Peter cites Psalm 16, revealing how this passage is fulfilled in Christ.
Psalm – 16:1-2,4,7-11
“Lord, you will show us the path of life.”
The passage recaps a substantial amount of what Peter quoted to the people in the first reading.
2nd Reading – 1st Peter 1:17-21
This exhortation to conduct ourselves with reverence finds its strength in Christ, the spotless unblemished blood of the lamb of God.
Christ is revealed to us through our faith, hope, and belief in God.
Gospel – Luke 24:13-35
On the road to Emmaus, two disciples encounter Jesus along the way as he interprets the scripture passages that refer to Christ.
During the breaking of the bread, they recognize Jesus – who disappears from their sight – and return to Jerusalem to announce to the disciples what they experienced.
This basic structure – Scripture and the breaking of the bread – is the basic outline for the Mass we celebrate!
On the road to Emmaus two disciples – disappointed and downcast – are leaving Jerusalem. Their encounter with Christ through the Scriptures and the Eucharist transforms their hearts and renews their faith.
Mark’s Gospel offers three different occasions where the Risen Lord appeared to fourteen disciples: Mary Magdalene, Two on the road to Emmaus and the Eleven Apostles. In these encounters we see our own human need for the time and effort necessary to grow in our faith.
Two disciples encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus. Their journey reveals how God continues to touch the hearts and lives of believers today. May we continue on the path as we walk with the Lord!
Three Great Things 