Walking with Jesus: Third Sunday of Easter

For Sunday, April 23, 2023

Acts 2:14, 22-33; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35

We have interesting questions today from our readings about what we see and what we believe ... questions that are repeatedly asked of us. What do I see around me … what do I believe? Spring is blooming beautifully all around us. Flowers are blossoming, trees full of life are showing their new leaves. We are blessed to witness the beauty of spring in Virginia. There are simple decisions we have to make, such as: Do I wear a jacket? Is it going to rain later? Do I take a nice walk? So much depends on the inconsistencies of the weather and our own personal frame of mind.

Our prayers often do the same. We have experienced Lent; so often this sets the mood of our belief in God being present to or seemingly far distant from us. We mistakenly blame ourselves for a “failed Lent,” thinking: If I had done this or that and been more faithful to prized “devotions,” it would have made for a better Easter. But nothing stops: Jesus suffered … died … rose … and ascended to the Father. This is our faith. I can’t alter any of the facts. What does Easter mean to me? Do I take time to place myself in the different scenes alongside the apostles and disciples who were as surprised, afraid, confused and puzzled about what this meant to them, their families, their careers and their faith? The vast majority of them were Jewish, and they would continue to worship weekly in the synagogues and then gather on the Sabbath for the Breaking of the Bread ... which is how they referred to the Eucharist celebration.

They had loads of questions and were uncertain about their next step. Then Jesus appeared as we heard last week. In the first reading today, Peter tells us that Jesus has given His apostles their mission. They have been empowered — given not only permission, but the authority and grace, to be Jesus’ witnesses. They have seen Jesus heal and preach, experienced God’s love through Him, and now are to tell everyone what this means: a new and complete understanding of why God created and chose a Special People and why He saved them from slavery and brought them to the Promised Land to be His people of love, care, forgiveness and kindness, especially to those most in need. He told them they are called … gifted … and are to show God’s love by loving as Jesus loved. This was not easy; they were having a really difficult time.

Here's a simple question: Why don’t the disciples on the road to Emmaus recognize Jesus? They have walked and talked with Him for hours. They have witnessed His miracles and teaching; they were witnesses to the passion-death event. So why don’t they recognize Him, especially since they have just seen Jesus no less than two days ago? I would like to suggest that these disciples are guilty of the same blunder many of us make in our relationship with God: They are looking for Christ where they want Him to be. They want Jesus to fill all their expectations of the glorious, triumphant Messiah, who will kick out the torturous rule of the Romans and then take care of the religious leaders who are more concerned with themselves than with God. They are looking for what they want — not for what Christ is presenting to them in His person. He gives them not the drama but His love, constantly showing God’s love which is the reason for all creation. So the question comes down to: What do I see? What do I believe?

Today’s readings reveal that there is a tension between what we see and what we are challenged to believe. Today’s first reading begins immediately after the experience of the descent of the Holy Spirit. Peter stands up and summarizes the Christian beliefs about Jesus: He is from God … the Jews crucified Him … through God’s power, He did great deeds and God raised Him up. Our purpose is to have faith and hope in God.

An interesting part of the Emmaus story is that as we hear and read it, the two walking companions do not recognize Jesus … but we do. Jesus does not force His message but accepts their invitation to dine. As a result of their hospitality (a hint to us) during a shared meal, they finally recognize Him. This recognition spurs them to action. Our readings invite us to recall and be present to our own experiences of God, to listen to our hearts, to be generous in helping the needy, and to alert others to the good news of God’s love we have experienced.

So I reflect on:

• I am invited to join the Emmaus two as I discover the tension of believing Jesus still walks with us. Where is my struggle now? What help do I need from God?
• The gospel presents two good people who have suffered through the passion and death of Jesus, and their faith has been shattered. Where do I fail to believe that Jesus is with me and “carrying me” through the hard times … hurtful times … scary times … lonely times?

Sacred Space 2023 shares:

“It is the will of God that nothing should be lost; may I look on everything that is good as a gift from God and an invitation to embrace the life that God offers.

“So much is offered to God each day! I pray that all people who are blessed may realize that their identity and destiny lies in God.”