SEVEN MILES FROM JERUSALEM TO EMMAUS

 WEDNESDAY OF EASTER: THE BEAUTIFUL GATE

First Reading Acts:1-10 

I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus, walk!

Once, when Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the prayers at the ninth hour, it happened that there was a man being carried past. He was a cripple from birth; and they used to put him down every day near the Temple entrance called the Beautiful Gate so that he could beg from the people going in. Readings When this man saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple he begged from them. Both Peter and John looked straight at him and said, ‘Look at us.’ He turned to them expectantly, hoping to get something from them, but Peter said, ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!’ Peter then took him by the hand and helped him to stand up. Lectures

Instantly his feet and ankles became firm, he jumped up, stood, and began to walk, and he went with them into the Temple, walking and jumping and praising God. Everyone could see him walking and praising God, and they recognised him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. They were all astonished and unable to explain what had happened to him.

Responsorial Psalm: Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice

Gospel Luke 24:13-35   They recognised him at the breaking of bread

Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, ‘You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.’ ‘What things?’ he asked. Reflections

‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ they answered ‘who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have gone by since it all happened; and some women from our group have astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, and when they did not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything exactly as the women had reported, but of him they saw nothing.’

Then he said to them, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself.

When they drew near to the village to which they were going, he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them. ‘It is nearly evening’ they said ‘and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’

They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, ‘Yes, it is true. The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.

Seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Seven means completion, yet the disciples were worried. The significance of seven did not make any impact. Sometimes we too experience this in our lives. We tend not to recognise those whom we may have come accross.

Each day, moment Christ is with us on our daily journey, we do not recognise him.  We call him Emmanuel God is with us, yet we carry all our challenges and burdens and do not realize his presence to bear them with us. His readiness to help us carry our burdens, fears and worries. His readiness to set us free.  We encounter him in the Holy Eucharist in the Holy Mass, it makes no meaning to us. Make me realise your presence in my life Lord Jesus Christ.

Help us Lord, bring us to you. Heavenly Father grant us your salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. May we be admitted into your heavenly kingdom when we approach your beautiful gate where we will ever sing your praise and rejoice in your presence.

Lord Jesus Christ I trust in you. Virgin Mary bring me to your Son. Saint Joseph pray for me. My Angel Guardian pray for me. Protect me. Be my guide and guard. God's Holy Angels pray for me

Pray the Holy Rosary: Ave Maria. Hail Mary.

Your Birthday Saint: St. Agnes of Montepulciano, Religious. May she pray for you as you celebrate your birthday.