3rd Sunday of Easter (Cycle A, Year II)
Community Word: Love for God’s word emboldens our hearts for the New Evangelization.
Theme: Our hearts are emboldened for the New Evangelization when we immerse ourselves in Scripture and proclaim God’s kingdom.
Promise: “You will show me the path to life, abounding joy in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever”.
(Ps 16:11)
Reflection
The Gospel of the third week of Easter tells us about two of Christ’s disciples on their way to Emmaus, discussing as they went along, their distress and disappointment at how Jesus was crucified and died. They believed and had hoped that He was the Messiah who would deliver them from Roman oppression and restore Israel to its former glory under the rule of King David.
But, Jesus never told His disciples that He was the political leader who would deliver Israel from Roman domination. Rather, He tried to tell him, in words and deeds, that he was not that kind of ‘savior’, but was destined to lay down His life to save mankind from slavery to sin.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus taught His disciples how to ’hear’ His Word. They were to embrace His Word with a generous heart, that they may bear fruit (Lk 8:15). But they could not fully believe or comprehend what he was trying to say, and so remained in the hardness of their hearts (Mk 3:5; 6:52; 8:17). Coming alongside the two as they walked, Jesus joined them and begins to explain every Scripture passage that referred to Him. Later, at the breaking of the bread, the two disciples finally recognize Jesus and come into faith in him.
In our sinful past, neither could we believe fully in Christ because our hearts were set on the things of this world; not much good was stored our hearts, (Lk 6: 45b). By God’s grace, we have been renewed. Cleansed by our repentance and confession of sins, the Holy Spirit was given to us (Gal 4:6), and the love of God was poured into our hearts (Rom 5:5). Jesus Christ began to in-dwell in our hearts (Eph 3:17). Like the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, didn’t we feel our hearts burning with peace, love, and joy?
The Gospel tells us how to keep our hearts burning, even as we journey with Christ through life. Like the two disciples, we have to invite Him to join us. We need to be with Him in the solitude of our hearts. We need to make time and reserve a special place for God in our lives, away from the distractions and attractions of the world. When we encounter God, we encounter our true selves. In that solitude, we focus in prayer, adoration, and thanksgiving, exclusively on Jesus. As we quiet our hearts and spirits, Jesus can minister to us, bringing His healing and transforming love to us. It is in that stillness and solitude that Jesus can touch us and remind us of His Word – how it refreshes the soul, giving wisdom to the simple, rejoicing the heart, enlightening the eye, and how obeying Him brings much reward (Ps 19: 8-12).
As His Word is living and effective, able to discern the reflections and thoughts of the heart, we are encouraged to be ‘doers’ of His Word (James 1:22), allowing His Word to teach, correct, and train us for righteousness, so that we may be competent for every good work ( 2Tim 3: 17). In that inner stillness and solitude, we are also able to empty ourselves of our anxieties, fears, apprehensions, and self-centeredness as we allow His Holy Spirit to minister to us and take over our lives.
After hearing the Word of God and taking it to heart, the two disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread. We too, should take the time to attend Holy Mass as often as we can, reflecting on the message implicit in the readings and the homily, that we may partake worthily of the Holy Eucharist. As we remain in the stillness of our hearts, we would experience deeper peace and joy, hear His gentle whisper of affirmation, His consolation, and His love.
As we remain faithful to Jesus in prayer, meditation and the observance of His Word, and the frequent worthy reception of the Sacraments, our hearts will continue to burn with holy fire as Christ shows us “the path of life, abounding joy in His Presence, the delights at His right hand forever” ( Ps 16:11).
Reflection Questions:
1. How can I show gratitude to God for calling me to a deeper meaning of life?
2. What is my Easter commitment to God to demonstrate my love for Him?
This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
May 4, 2014 (Sun) Acts 2L14,22-28/Ps 16:1-2,5,7-8,9-10,11/1Pt 1:17-21/Lk 24:13-35
May 5, 2014 (Mon) Acts 6:8-15/Ps 119:23-24,26-27,29-30/Jn 6:22-29
May 6, 2014 (Tues) Acts 7:51-8:1/Ps 31:3-4,6,7,8,17,21/Jn 6:30-35
May 7, 2014 (Wed) Acts 8:1-8/Ps 66:1-3,4-5,6-7/Jn 6:35-40
May 8, 2014 (Thur) Acts 8:26-40/Ps 66:8-9,16-17,20/Jn 6:44-51
May 9, 2014 (Fri) Acts 9:1-20/Ps 117:1,2/Jn 6:42-59
May 10, 2014 (Sat) Acts 9:31-42/Ps 116:12-13,14-15,16-17/Jn 6:60-69
“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”
Please download in PDF format.
