First Reading: (Acts 3:1–10)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 105)
Response: Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
Gospel: (Luke 24:13–35)
Reflection
Today’s Gospel presents another post-resurrection appearance of Jesus. He appears to two of His disciples on their way to Emmaus. Just like in the case of Mary Magdalene, they did not recognize Him at first. This reveals something very particular about the resurrection appearances of Jesus: when He appears, He is often not immediately recognized.
These two disciples walked with Him, spoke with Him, and shared their sorrow, yet they did not know it was Him. This raises an important question many people ask: why did they not recognize Jesus after His resurrection? How is it possible that those who knew Him so well could fail to recognize Him within just three days?
There are a few reasons. First, after His resurrection, Jesus had a glorified body, different from the one He had before. Second, the disciples were overwhelmed with grief and disbelief, which clouded their ability to recognize Him. Third, and most importantly, Jesus chose to reveal Himself gradually. He wanted them to come to faith not just by sight, but through Scripture and understanding.
That is why He first explained the Scriptures to them, beginning with Moses and all the prophets. He helped them connect what had happened with what had already been foretold. Then, at table, He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. It was at that moment, the breaking of the bread, that their eyes were opened, and they recognized Him.
This was a journey: from the explanation of Scripture to the breaking of the bread. Through these actions, Jesus revealed Himself.
That Emmaus experience is exactly what happens at every Holy Mass. At Mass, we first encounter the breaking of the Word. The Scriptures are read, and they are explained. Jesus speaks to us and reveals Himself through His Word. Then we move to the altar, where the Word becomes flesh in the Eucharist. In the breaking of the Bread, Jesus reveals Himself again.
The Holy Mass, therefore, is our own Emmaus experience.
The question we must ask ourselves is: do we recognize Him?
Many times, we do not. During the Liturgy of the Word, we are distracted and fail to listen. During the consecration, we lose focus. We are physically present, but spiritually absent. And so, like the disciples at first, we fail to recognize Him even though He is right there with us.
If we truly understood that every Mass is an encounter with the risen Christ, our attitude would change. We would listen more attentively. We would participate more fully. We would recognize that Jesus is revealing Himself to us, first in the Word, and then in the Eucharist.
The Church teaches us something very important here: those who do not listen to the Word of God, who do not partake in the table of the Word, should not approach the table of the Eucharist. The two are inseparable. It is through both that Christ reveals Himself.
Therefore, let us pray for the grace to recognize Jesus each time we attend Mass. When the Scriptures are proclaimed, may we hear His voice. When the Bread is broken, may we see Him with the eyes of faith.
Every Mass is our Emmaus. Jesus walks with us, speaks to us, and reveals Himself to us.
May we not miss Him.
Amen
God bless you
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