Wednesday within the Octave of Easter, April 10, 2007

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10. Psalm 105:1-9. Luke 24:13-35. Lectionary # 263:

Luke's resurrection narratives are unique and they continue the journey
theme that covers almost one third of his Gospel. Since he begins in the
Temple in Jerusalem, he ends with the final events of Jesus also taking
place in Jerusalem. Soon the apostles and disciples of Jesus will be
praising God and praying in the Temple once Jesus has ascended into heaven.
Today we focus on the second and longest of Luke's resurrection stories; it
is by far my favorite one because of the great scenes, themes, and lessons
it gives to us when we do some reflection and prayer. It is ideal for the
Benedictine practice of Lectio Divina, or reading while pondering and
praying over the Scriptures in a meditative and contemplative way. It is
the time of KAIROS (not looking at our watches or clocks) not that of
CHRONOS (looking at them)! Our literary masterpiece unfolds with two of
the disciples on a journey toward Emmaus some seven miles from Jerusalem,
the city where Jesus had died. They were sad and were trying to figure out
why Jesus had to die and what were they to do. Then this stranger (Jesus)
joins them and starts to ask some questions about what has happened during
the past week in Jerusalem. They journey with Jesus and things start to
unfold, like learning from the stranger about promises being fulfilled in
the one who suffered as a servant of God. The journey continues and their
sadness is starting to fade for this man is very comforting and
knowledgealbe. He is making sense to them about who the Messiah is and why
he had to suffer. Little did they know that it was he who was walking with
them. Finally, they say something that has even brought tears to my eyes
on several occasions while hearing or reading it; it is especially a prayer
for us who are getting on in years, "Stay with us. It is getting toward
evening--the day is practically over." Jesus answers their prayers and went
in the room to stay with them. I see the Eucharistic celebration
completing the story after the Scriptures were explained by Jesus himself.
Could this have been the first celebration of the Eucharist after Jesus'
death with Jesus himself being the presider? It is a good model for our
own celebration of the Word of God and the Sacrament of the Eucharist. I
am encouraged and comforted by this resurrection narrative. It gives me
great hope for today and the future. May we all count our blessings for
the gift of this memorable journey that Jesus shared with Cleopas and
probably his wife Mary. Amen. Alleluia!