3rd Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:14, 22–23 It was impossible for Jesus to be held by death.
Psalm 16 “Lord, you will show us the path of life.”
1 Peter 1:17–21 We were saved with the precious Blood of Christ.
Luke 24:13–35 They recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread.

The Gospel reading we hear today is a familiar one. A pair of disciples
encounter the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus. Despite Jesus walking
right alongside them for miles, they fail to recognize him, distracted as
they are by the events of the past three days. As we listen to Peter’s and
Luke’s accounts of events that took place shortly after the Resurrection,
let us recognize our Lord in his word.

In the days following Jesus’ crucifixion and death the disciples were miserable.                                                                                                              They left Jerusalem dispirited and defeated, mourning the one they hoped
“would be the one to redeem Israel” (Luke 24:21). All appeared lost. It was then,
while nursing their grief, that they extended hospitality to this stranger. When
they finally realized who he was, their outlook changed immediately. Though
it was already evening, they returned at once to Jerusalem to tell the apostles
the wonderful news. In the time of their greatest need they were blessed with
the Lord’s presence.

When have you acutely realized the Lord’s presence? In the Eucharist? In listening
to scripture? When we gather in his name? In your day-to-day life?