THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER A
OUR GOD INTERVENES
It is normal to feel sad
specially if you have lost someone special. That was why the two disciples, who
have become close to the Lord, were in serious mourning as they trek the road
to Emmaus.
It is normal to feel disappointed
when your hopes are dashed. These
two disciples pinned their hopes on Jesus and knowing that He was now dead,
they felt desolate as they traced their way back home.
It is normal to be confused when
you are faced with events you cannot understand. Our disciples did not know why
things happened the way they did and what would happen next. Their confusion
blinded them to the real identity of their newfound Companion on the road.
But it is even more normal for
God to intervene when he sees his people falling into sadness, despair and
confusion. The Lord Jesus joined them because He knew they needed a companion
on the dark path they were walking.
Jesus caught up with them because He knew they needed someone to support
and encourage them, to lift up their sagging spirits.
In His patience, the Lord Jesus
leads His two friends to a gradual realization that in fact, He was now risen,
alive and powerful, as He once promised. He patiently explained the fulfillment
of the promises in Scripture. He patiently celebrated with them the sacred meal
He established. It is then that the disciples regained their senses and
recognized the presence of the Risen Lord. He is not dead, but is alive
forever!
The Gospel today is a very
powerful portrayal of how our God deals with us. He walks with us in our daily
pains and difficulties. He joins us in our journey through the dark moments of
life in order to lead us to the brightness of his promises and his presence.
Today he walks with us in the Eucharist where, as before, he uncovers his Word
before us and offers us the Bread of communion and presence.
When we are sad, confused or
desolate let us be sensitive to our companion, our friend, the God who
intervenes and enters into our journey.
He is here in the Eucharist as he is in his Body the Church
community. And as we discover him
here, like the disciples, let us go forth in joy, proclaiming to others the God
who comes to our aid.
Like them, let us be instruments
of the proclamation that God does not abandon His people, that He comes to heal
our wounds and lift up our spirits.
