GOD’S WORD FOR THE DAY (based on Catholic Liturgical Readings)
DATE: 30TH APRIL 2017
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
FIRST READING: Acts 2;14, 22-23
PSALM: Psalm 16:1-2, 5,7-11
SECOND READING: 1Peter 1: 17-21
GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35
THEME: WHEN HOPE IS DASHED
To place one’s hope, either partially or totally, in a person or thing is an investment of one’s heart. It is a delicate and an expensive investment. When unfolding events do not turn out the way one had expected, the resultant effect is often frustration which may lead to a broken heart.
The Gospel text gives a narration of two men whose hopes had been dashed. The text starts with the statement, “That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem…” (Lk. 24:13). Considering the preceding verses, it is safe to say that the expression “them” in the above verse is a reference to the group of disciples of Jesus. Thus these two men were no mere spectators of the events that had taken place some few days earlier in Jerusalem with regards to the person and ministry of Jesus. They were stakeholders and had made an investment of their lives – “We had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel” (Lk. 24:21).
Secondly, the text says that the two were on their way to “Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem”. Just as disappointed fans would sneak out dejectedly from a stadium and go to their homes upon seeing their team lose, these men apparently were moving away from Jerusalem, the place of action to a Judaen village of uncertain location.
The drawing near of Jesus to these men, culminating in the explanation of the Scriptures and the “breaking of bread” was to help them appreciate the fact that what they considered a disappointment was actually an appointment of God. It was all foreordained in Scripture. Peter, in his powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost as recounted in the First Reading also laid emphasis on the fulfilment of Scripture with reference to the passion and resurrection of Christ.
Like the two disciples, we all have hopes and reasons why we follow Jesus. For some, following Jesus means protection from calamities. Others follow Jesus in the hope that they would be healed of a particular ailment. Some come to Jesus looking for the fruit of the womb or some other form of “breakthrough.” When these expectations are met, following Jesus is sweet. However, when things do not go our way, we easily slide into a crisis of faith.
The experience of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus shows that all is really not lost when all appears to be lost. The master plan of God is intricate and it unfolds in stages. When we are in Christ, our lives with all its pleasant and unpleasant moments are under the supervision of God. Hence, to give up at one stage of life because of a misfortune is to deprive oneself of seeing the end product of God’s masterpiece.
The explanation of Scripture ignited fire in the hearts of the disciples and the breaking of the bread opened their eyes. As we also listen to the Word of God today, may our hearts burn within us and as the Holy Eucharist is offered to us, may our eyes be opened and may we see the resurrected Christ present with us.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I thank you for choosing to walk with me in good times and in bad times. May the strong winds that blow from time to time never quench my faith in you. For the sake of your name, I pray. Amen.
Andrews Obeng, svd
DIVINE WORD MISSIONARIES
BIBLICAL PASTORAL MINISTRY
(Ghana Province)
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word and the Spirit of grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all people” (St. Arnold Janssen).