April 6, 2008 THIRD SUNDAY OF THE CHURCH YEAR
6 APRIL 2008, 5:15, 8:00, 10:30
READINGS: Acts 2:14, 22-33; I Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
SAINT MARY PARISH, VIROQUA
Introduction: I think this is the most beautiful story in all of the New Testament. I like it so much because it is our story. We are in this story. Here’s what I mean.
1. Two disciples are on a journey.
a. Suddenly a stranger joins them. They don’t know it, but it is the Lord. This morning we entered this Church. We don’t always think about it, but here too we meet one another; when we do, we meet the Lord. Jesus says “Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.” Jesus is surely here with us.
b. Then, as they continue their journey to Emmaus, they express their discouragement at the death of their leader, the one they had hoped would be the Messiah. So, Jesus interprets the scriptures for them. He speaks with them. Does he not speak to us? We have just heard his Sacred Word. As we listened carefully, were not our hearts burning within us?
c. Then, as they draw near to their destination they enter an inn. There they break bread with Jesus. Suddenly they recognize him in the breaking of the bread. Will we not do the same here in a few minutes? Will we not recognize Jesus, his body, his blood in the Eucharist?
There you have it, the ever ancient yet ever new strategy of the Church. Gather the folks, tell the stories, break the bread! That’s what happened to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. That’s what happens to us every time we gather here. In all three parts of the strategy we today recognize Jesus.
2. Now, the application is quite simple for us to make. When we leave here, we do not leave the story behind. Rather, we greet other strangers in our schools and places of work, sometimes even in our homes. Let us recognize the face of Jesus in the faces of those we meet. Let us speak words to them that are always respectful, caring, loving, words that reflect the Word of the Lord. And, in charity, let us break bread with them. Let us share bread with them, the bread which feeds the hungry, comforts the troubled, the bread brought to those in prison.
3. Then, as we complete our own journey, our long journey of life, we will echo those beautiful words of the disciples, “Were not our hearts burning within us as he talked with us on the way?” That would be a lovely meditation at the end of each day: “What was it that set my heart on fire today?” And, can we not ask that question at the end of our lives, as we grow old together? As we gather, hear God’s word, share this bread? Looking back on a short or long life we should ask ourselves, “When were the times that my heart was burning within me?” Those were the times Jesus was closest at hand.
Conclusion: This wonderful Bible Story is our story; at least it is our story to the extent that our life story, our journey, is one which has Jesus as our companion!