That
very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a
village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing
about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were
conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but
their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you
discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast. 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?” And he
replied to them, “What sort of things?” They said to him, “The things that
happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word
before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him
over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would
be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day
since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us:
they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came
back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced
that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things
just as the women had described, but him they did not see.” And he said to
them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the
prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things
and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets,
he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they
approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he
was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly
evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 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, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to
each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the
way and opened the Scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to
Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who
were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then
the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to
them in the breaking of the bread.
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Reflection:
Do you
sometimes feel down and discourage for the reason of the many life challenges
that you’re facing?
The
two followers who were going to Emmaus were obviously discouraged they were
feeling down and had a very low morale. They were in such behavior because
their Lord and Master had a violent death on the cross. They thought that Jesus
was their powerful savior but they were disappointed. For Jesus died on the
cross badly bruised and beaten.
Their
joyful expectations of a powerful Jesus were suddenly replaced by feeling of
loneliness, defeat and disappointment. Until the Risen Christ walked with
them, conversed with them and eventually went to their house to break bread
with them.
After
which Cleopas and his companion recognized that it was Jesus who walked,
conversed and broke bread with them. Upon discovering the identity of Jesus
their loneliness was immediately replaced by happiness, their discouragement
was overpowered by encouragement. Their lowly spirits were suddenly aflame and
glowing.
What
do you do when you feel down, sad and discouraged? Do you just sulk in one
corner as if you’re the most inferior and miserable person in the world? Or you
always call on Jesus to lift you up and strengthen you?
When
you are at your lowest remember that Jesus is always there for you. He wants to
give you hope, He wants to inspire you and tell you this: Be full of life and
be hopeful for I have already risen. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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