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.