3rd Sunday of Easter (2020) “Where are We Going and Who are We Traveling With?”
3rd Sunday of Easter (2020) “Where are We Going and Who are We Traveling With?”
When we google “traveling companion” on our computer many websites pop up to tell us how to find a partner to vacation with. Maybe this reflects the fact that so many people are searching for friends in the world. We long to share experiences with others. We are told to choose someone with interests like ours. We are also encouraged to find someone who is flexible. Today, in the Gospel, we reflect on two people who are traveling.
The resurrection accounts leave many unanswered questions. One of the mysteries, for example, is who the beloved disciple might be in Gospel of John? He plays a central role but is never named. Another puzzle in the Bible is the name of the Apostle Thomas’ twin. The writer of John takes pains to say that Thomas is a twin but gives no answer to the question of who Thomas’ sibling is.
Today, we have another unanswered question. We are told that there are two disciples on the road to Emmaus, but only one is named, Cleopas. Why doesn’t the writer give both disciples a name? Some have speculated that Cleopas’ traveling companion was his spouse. If that were the case, the early Christian community would have known who he was walking with. No name would be needed. Another possibility is that the writer was hinting that all the readers of this story are the traveling companions of Cleopas.
We are not taking a physical journey, however. We are taking a spiritual journey. The trip we’re asked to take is one that all humans do. We need to travel inward to examine the mystery of sickness and death.
The thing we notice about the two disciples in the Gospel is that they are going in the wrong direction. The two followers of Jesus are traveling away from Jerusalem when they need to be moving toward Jerusalem. Afterall, Jesus told his followers to wait for him. The two of disciples we meet are running away.
Their actions are understandable. Whenever we experience something that makes us uncomfortable, we tend to move away from it. We are restless when we must come to grips with senseless suffering and death. We would rather not think about such things. We are all experiencing the unpleasantness of dealing with many hard questions right now. We all know someone who has died of COVAD 19 or we know people are sick.
A 24-year-old ICU nurse from New York City named KP Mendoza was recently interviewed on television. KP Mendoza has seen people die before, but there is something different about taking care of Corona virus patients. Death was something he thought he could handle until he came to the realization that he could die. He said in a post on the internet, “Now I am not so sure that death is something I am prepared to see. Death is different now. Death could pick me.”
Mendoza shared how he goes to work resolved to do his job. He buries his feelings. By the end of the day, though he isn’t sure that he can go on. He isn’t sure, if he wants to go back to the hospital each day. He feels uncertain. He feels like walking away. He is even writing his last will and testament, something a 24-year-old doesn’t do. Perhaps KP Mendoza has the same feelings as the disciples on the road to Emmaus.
But Jesus came and walked with them. We are told that as Jesus speaks with the disciples their hearts begin to burn within them. The disciples begin to see.
To understand this description of what happened, we must realize that the ancients thought the way people see is with their heart. In biblical spirituality the heart is directly connected to the eyes. When the heart burns, the fire pushes up the chest and flows out the eyes. The fire from the heart allows people to see. The eyes are like the headlights of a car. The eyes are lit from within a person to pierce the darkness without. When the fire from the heart dies down, the person’s sight dims. Now this may be poor science, but it is good spirituality. Because when we are in touch with our deepest center, we see the events of life from a different perspective.
We cannot escape all distress. But Jesus came to show us that suffering, and death do not have the last word. Resurrection and new life have the final say. Jesus came to show us the way. He wishes to be our traveling companion. Now isn’t the time to distance ourselves from Jesus but it is a time to contemplate the words of the Gospel. Now is the time to turn toward Jerusalem, to go back to the places where we have found Jesus before in our life. If we remember what Jesus has taught us about affliction, we will find peace and consolation. Perhaps our hearts will burn. We then might see.
Reflection Questions:
1. Is there something different about how I feel about sickness and death right now? Do I feel very vulnerable? Is this feeling something that I should have been wrestling with long ago? Is it good to come to grips with my mortality?
2. Does my heart burn when I feel conviction about something? Is this a physical sensation? Do I see more clearly? When is the last time I felt strongly about an issue or tenant of my faith?
Dear Parishioners,
I received a letter from the Vicar General this week and he announced that we will not be having public worship through May. I know this is a disappointment to everyone but reflecting on it I would say it is a wise decision. If we scheduled Masses, we have to wonder if people would come if they did not feel safe? Would it be truly safe? The Mass is meant to be a moment of physical closeness with others not a time when we hold others at arm’s length. We will have to pray that we can worship safely again soon. Until we come back together, we will continue to have live streaming Masses. We are not supposed have gatherings of over 10 people this month. This will limit the rest of our ministry. We are also not supposed to open churches. The cases of COVID continue to rise. Now is not the time to take chances.
We will start scheduling Mass intentions again. Fr. Matthew and I will be saying Mass together almost every day. We will try to go back and pick up some of the Masses we skipped over starting on May 1st. Watch the bulletin for a schedule.
Seton School will also be having only virtual classes the rest of the year. Please pray for all those who are trying to educate students right now. Seton School is recruiting kindergarten and preschool students for the fall. Please go to their website to take a virtual tour if you have a child that is interested or share the information with parents who have school age children.
I pray that our Blessed Mother and all the angels and saints will watch over you today.
Fr. Mark