His Word Today: Walking beside us

Jesus appearing to two disciples
on the road to Emmaus
William Brassey Hole (1846-1917)

Good morning everyone,
Happy Easter,

At some point on that first day of the week, the day when Jesus' resurrection was discovered by Mary Magdalene, two of Jesus' disciples set off for a village located seven miles away from Jerusalem ... (Lk 24:13).  Along with their companions, these two followers of Jesus had been excited about the lessons they had learned from him and about the promise that his words conveyed.  Perhaps for that reason, they were even more disappointed by the events of his trial, his punishment and his crucifixion.  Within their hearts, they felt as though their hopes and dreams had been dashed.  Early on that morning, before Magdalene came running from the tomb, these two disciples had set off, but instead of being excited about the message that they had to share, they were speaking to one another about the hopes and dreams that had been frustrated (cf Lk 24:14).

As they were speaking together, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them (Lk 24:15).  Although they did not recognize it at first, this encounter was about to awaken them from their gloom and fill them with the joy that is the trademark of the gospel's freshness.  As he did with Magdalene, Jesus approached the two disciples with amazing gentleness, inviting them to explain for themselves the truth that they were experiencing in the depths of their hearts.  Speaking this truth helped them to recognize the validity of their feelings, but also allowed Jesus to enter into their hearts and to replace their sense of defeat with hope.

Even today, Jesus walks at our sides.  He is keenly aware of the joys and the challenges that inhabit our hearts and he is constantly inviting us to tell our own stories: experiences of success as well as day-to-day struggles.  In each case, he encourages us to discover the freshness of his words and of his presence.  Invite him to surprise you today and to remind you of the joy that can enliven our hearts and cause us to run out toward the encounter with our brothers and sisters so that we can tell them about the adventures we encounter on the roads of our faith journeys and the ways in which we have discovered the presence of the risen Lord.

Have a great day.