In the New Testament, the Evangelists narrate to us the stories about Jesus’ post resurrection appearances. According to them, the risen Christ goes through locked doors showing his apostles his wounds (Jn 20:19-20); he meets the women on Easter morning running from the empty tomb (Mt 28, Mk 16, Lk 24, Jn 20-21); he disguises himself as a gardener encountering the weeping Mary Magdalen (Jn 20:14-16); he makes breakfast for his tired apostles after fruitless night fishing on the lake (Jn 21:1-13); and he invites Thomas to put his finger into the wounds of his hands (Jn 20:27). 

In today’s Gospel, the third Sunday of Easter, year A, the risen Lord appears and walks side by side with the two disciples, Cleopas and his anonymous companion (Lk 24:13-35). The disciples were walking away from the city of Jerusalem to a quite village called Emmaus where they hoped to get away from the disappointment of unmet expectations. According to the evangelist Luke, Cleopas and his companion were conversing and debating about all the things that happened to Jesus, the prophet and miracle worker: the jealousy and hatred of the Chief priests toward him; the false accusation and unjust judgment, the condemnation and crucifixion.

On their way, the two men vented their utter disappointment and buyer’s remorse against Jesus whom they hoped would be the one to redeem Israel from the subjugation of the Roman Empire. Their dashed hope was rooted in Jewish history when Judas Maccabeus and his followers fought to redeem the Jews from the oppressive Seleucid army (Cf 1 Mac 4:11). They were disappointed in their expectations. They were hopeless, and at their lowest point. They were walking away from their faith in Jesus Christ. But in their retreat of regrets, Jesus appeared like a stranger alongside with them.

In the history of God’s relationship with humanity, the fecklessness and fickleness of human fidelity reveals itself in times of difficulties, trials and temptations. Like the apostles, we either walk away, run away, or deny Jesus. We give up on him who gives himself to us. But Jesus never gives up on us, his pilgrim people. When the journey becomes too difficult, full of trials and temptations, Jesus walks along side with us in solidarity, to guide, to rekindle the fire inside, to bring us back. As in the case with the disciples on their way, absconding to Emmaus, Jesus takes the initiatives.

The risen Lord does it in many ways. He does through our parents, God-parents, good friends, spiritual directors, priests, counsellors, and others. Often, Jesus chooses to rekindle the fire within us through the presence of the poor among us, through the church, and most profoundly in the scriptures and the sacrament of the holy Eucharist. Here Jesus is with us whether we feel it or not for he himself said so: “I am with you always.” (Mt 28:20).

In the light of today’s readings, Jesus rekindles the fire within and leads the errant disciples back to faith in the breaking of the Word (Scriptures) and in the breaking of the Bread (the Eucharist). Here St Luke teaches Holy Mass in a narrative form: the disciples on the way to Emmaus come to their encounter with Jesus. They come with their concerns and doubts. They recite Scripture and hear a Sermon from Jesus. Finally they gather together in fellowship with Jesus over a meal. And suddenly, they recognize Jesus as a sign of revelation, hope, and renewal. Consequently, the shadow of “downcast-ness” was lifted. They return “at once” to bear witness to Jesus.

So, we must ask ourselves this week: How is the fire within? Is it burning intensely? Does it feel like fragile ember? Is it a flickering flame or a roaring blaze? What could help to fuel and renew the fire? Commitment to reading and meditating upon the Word of God and receiving the Holy Eucharist is the way to go. Dear Jesus, you walked along side with the disappointed Cleopas and his companion on the road to Emmaus. You listened to their sadness and their story. Please accompany us on the way, listen to us, hear us, and enable us to experience profound renewal. And may recognize you in the Word and at the breaking of bread. Amen.