THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

EASTER WEDESDAY Universalis

‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ 

Reading Acts 3:1-10 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. 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. 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.

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.  CDR

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. ‘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.’ .......

My God my Father it is all about Jesus Christ your only begotten Son. Father our world would believe in stories and history of other creatures. When it comes to the story about Christ death, crucifixion and resurrection, some say it is a myth. They would believe in science they fail to believe the mystery of your creation, the mystery of our salvation, and the mystery of Christ’s divinity. 

Each day we journey to Emmaus to lead us to our eternal destination. Most times we are like the two disciples on the way to Emmaus. We see your wonders in our lives, we still doubt. We see the beauty of your creation we still doubt. We see your divine mercy through Christ, yet we doubt. We would rather believe in deceptive words and lies. We would rather believe those who deceive us and lead us to destruction rather than believe in Christ that we may live.

Father you reveal your divinity to us through your words in the scriptures. Your words are truth and live. Jesus Christ is your word made flesh. Open my heart to receive your word. Give me wisdom, knowledge and understanding that I may value your word, obey you and fulfill my destiny as Christ my Lord and Redeemer. Father your words never fail, your words are eternal. 

Lord Jesus be with me. As I receive you in the Holy Eucharist. Open my eyes that I may recognize your presence in my life. Open my heart to receive you. Open my ears that I may hear your voice. Blessed be Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. 

Lord Jesus teach me. Lord Jesus Christ may your divine mercy prevail in my life. Lord Jesus I believe in you. Jesus I trust in you. Virgin Mary pray for me. Saint Joseph pray for me. God’s Holy Angels and Saints pray for me. My Guardian Angel pray for me. Protect me. 

Pray the Holy Rosary: Hail Mary full of grace.