THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

23 April 2023 | YEAR A(I)

Were not our hearts burning within us while he . . opened the Scriptures to us? (Luke 24:32)

In today’s familiar Gospel, a disciple named Cleopas and his companion walked the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. They were leaving Jerusalem, a place of disappointment and dashed hopes, where their Master had suffered and died. But on that path of sadness and doubt, Jesus spoke and “opened the Scriptures” to them, even though they failed to recognise him (Luke 24:32).

Patiently, Jesus explained how all the Scriptures pointed to him. Step-by-step, the risen One brought their faith back to life. Perhaps the women’s story of an empty tomb could be true! Could this have been God’s plan all along? Slowly, their grief-stricken hearts grew warm; they hungered to hear more. “Stay with us,” they pleaded (Luke 24:29). And once he broke the bread, their eyes were opened: they knew it was Jesus.

Today the same Jesus who walked the road to Emmaus will be speaking to you through the Scriptures at Mass. These aren’t just wise words from a gifted teacher or an ancient book. It is Jesus himself, the living Word of God, speaking to you. He will meet you wherever you are: whether you’re just starting out in your journey of faith or you’ve been following him for years. Whether you have questions or you’re sure of what you believe, Jesus will still open his word to you. He loves to stir your heart!

Don’t you want the hope that comes from hearing Jesus speak his words? Don’t you want more confidence that he will speak to you through his words? And don’t you want deeper faith that he is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, on the altar? Jesus wants this even more than you do!

Open your heart to the Lord; listen as he speaks through his word. He will not disappoint.

“Jesus, help me to hear you speak through the Scriptures today.”

Source: The Word Among Us https://wau.org