Greetings on this the Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
Readings: Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9; Luke 24:13-35
Summary
The gospel reading each Wednesday is often a predictor of the gospel focus of the next Sunday. Wednesday is often called “Hinge Day” for that reason. Homeletic hint: If you don’t know what to say on Sunday, look at the Wednesday before.
The Wednesday Road to Emmaus shares a common theme with the Sunday story of Doubting Thomas.
Wednesday
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply,
“Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem
who does not know of the things
that have taken place there in these days? The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene.” (Lk 24:18, 21a)
Sunday
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (Jn 20:25).
Jesus Responds
- In the first case, Jesus went as they were going, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them (Lk 24:15b).
- In the second case, Jesus came to where they were. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst (Jn 20:26b).
- In the first case, Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures (Lk 24:27).
- In the second case, Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” (Jn 20:27).
Gifts Given
- In the first instance, scripture and the bread. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him (Lk 24:30-31a).
- In the second instance, his peace. and said, “Peace be with you.” (Jn 20:26c).
Reflection
Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;
make known among the nations his deeds.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds. (Ps 105:102)
Personal Reflection
There are so many roads of doubt: Emmaus and Thomas. But the Lord adjusts how he responds according to our needs.
See, touch, read, and break bread.
Don’t allow doubt to define you. Allow doubt to be a pathway to hear the divine call to love.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/040826.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry