Homily: Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

Wednesday in the Octave of Easter (Lk 24: 13-35) “Jesus in Disguise”

The people who were close to Jesus during his earthly life did not recognize him when he appeared to them after the resurrection. It seems like he is wearing a disguise. We do not get the impression that he was frightening in appearance. He appears to look like a person that we might meet in the street.

The disciples on the road to Emmaus certainly do not seem afraid of the stranger they meet while they are walking along discussing the events that had happened in Jerusalem over that first Easter weekend.

Jesus celebrates the Eucharist with them, although at first, they do not understand he is doing this. He first celebrates the Liturgy of the Word with them. He explains the scriptures that predict his coming and allude to the fact that he was going to have to suffer as they walk.

He is preaching to them. A homily is an explanation of the scriptures and how they might apply to our life. Jesus is giving the two people he is walking with a homily. We are told that the hearts of the two disciples burn within them. A good homily will have that impact on people. After a good sermon we react to what we hear.

We do that by offering prayers, making a profession of faith and by breaking the bread and sharing the cup. This is our reaction to the inspiration we receive from the homily.

The two disciples Jesus meets on the road do not want to let him go. No, they want to share a meal with this friend that they have made. Only when Jesus breaks the bread as he would at a Eucharistic celebration, is there a recognition of who Jesus is.

The Mass is where we meet Jesus. We meet him in the congregation, in the liturgy of the word and the sharing of the Eucharistic meal.

Reflection Questions:

1.    When did I hear a good homily? How did I react?

2.   Did I think Jesus was celebrating Mass in this text? Why or why not?

 Dear Parishioners,

             I just completed a class with parents who are going to have their children baptized last night. There will be about ten children baptized and they are of various ages. It was interesting to hear how the children had a great desire for baptism. The children have led their parents back to the church. I guess I see this as a hopeful sign.

            I reminded the parents that children are very spiritual. They have a great sense of the supernatural and an awe of God. As adults we are constantly trying to find our way back to that childlike simplicity. If we do, we will find joy and peace.

            May our Lady pray of peace for our world,

            Fr. Mark