HOMILY: 3rd Sunday of Easter (Year A)
HOMILY Theme: The Road to Emmaus, The Road to Recognition of the Risen Lord.
By: Fr. Benny Tuazon
(Lk. 24:13-35) Third Sunday of Easter
In today’s Gospel Luke gives an account of two disciples going back home to their place in Emmaus. They were downtroddenn, frustrated, confused, and sad. They had pinned their hopes in Jesus who taught them great things and did spectacular miracles before their eyes. At a time when they were under the Roman rule and anticipating the coming of the Messiah, Jesus fitted their expectations. But when they saw Him arrested, tortured, and die, they were astonished and their hopes burst like a bubble. But it was not to be the end of the story. Jesus, risen and incognito, accompanied them as they were walking. He helped them by pointing out what Scriptures say about Him. Their hearts were touched. The coup the grace came when they invited Jesus to stay with them and Jesus broke bread before their eyes. Suddenly, they recognised that it was Jesus all along who was with them. Even if Jesus disappeared as soon as they recognised Him, they began to regain their faith. They could not contain their experience. They went back and told the other disciples.
Jesus told them about Himself based on what Scriptures said. Then He broke bread with them. The sequence should sound familiar to a Christian. The Holy Mass, the main celebration of every Chrisitian community every Sunday is structured in the same way. The Liturgy of the Word comes first. They tell us everything about God’s plan of salvation. And they also refer to the promised Messiah which was personified by the Lord Jesus. It is expected that the Word of God read to us every day, specially on Sundays, should make our hearts be moved and touched. “Burning” as the disciples had said. Then, the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist comes immediately. The bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus, our Saviour. It follows that our celebration oft he Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist is connected with the Liturgy of the Word. And, as much as we know about the Lord in Scriptures, we recognize Him in the breaking of bread.
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But the recognition of the risen Lord should not end int he celebration of the Holy Mass. It should extend to our daily lives. After the Holy Mass, we are sent on a mission. Our mission is to proclaim the Good News which meat is the truth of the resurrection of Jesus. There is no better news that to know that our Lord has risen form the dead. This is our main teaching as Christians. Our recognition of the risen Lord in the Holy Mass should dispel our doubts and give us motivation to endure life’s challenges, specially in following the teachings of the Lord. The Easter Christian is always alive and hopeful. As a community, they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. They promote peace, exercise forgiveness, and never run out of charity.
We all have our own travel on the road to Emmaus, which is the road to the recognition of the risen Lord. We need to be familiar with Scriptures. At mass, it is important that we listen closely to the readings. They were selected to guide us and touch us with regards to our relationship with God. When we do, the breaking of bread and the reception of the Lord in communion, should enliven us and make us zealous followers of the Lord.
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