St. Mary's Church Elizabeth, IL

5/18

Bulletin -Fifth Sunday of Easter

"Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him."
                                                                                                                                Luke 24:15-16

                                                                                                            
Read Luke, chapter 24, verses 13 to 27

     The walk to Emmaus took place "on the same day" (verse 13), that is, the first day of the
week, the day of the resurrection. This is the day that the early Christians would gather for the
Eucharist, most often in the evenings since the first day of the week was an ordinary work day
in Jewish and Roman societies.
     Not surprisingly, the travelers were talking about everything that had happened (verse 14) -
Jesus' tortuous death, their disappointed hopes, and the women's report of the empty tomb.
When Jesus came up to them, he must have seemed like another pilgrim returning home (verse
15). Cleopas' question, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things
that have taken place there in these days" (verse 18), assumes that the crucifixion of Jesus was
the talk of Jerusalem during the Passover feast. But ironically it was not Jesus who did not
know, but rather Cleopas and his companion. The two disciples express their sadness at the
death of Jesus (verse 17), their disappointment and shattered hopes (verse 21), and their
skepticism at the women's report (verses 22-24).
     Jesus' interpretation of the scriptures to them does not seem to refer to any particular
passage. Rather, he laid out for them the way in which "all the scriptures" had led up to God's
revelation of the cross and resurrection of Christ, "beginning with Moses and all the prophets"
(verse 27). What a Bible study that must have been, as the risen Lord "interpreted" the
Scriptures for them!

For Reflection: In what way do the words of Jesus to his two disciples remind me of the
necessity of knowing the Old Testament in order to understand him? Do I have a burning
desire to know the Scripture?

Prayer Starter: Lord Jesus, you guide us through the Scriptures to understand God's plan and
the significance of your life for us. Assure me of your presence with me when I study the Bible
so that my heart will burn with love as I recognize your presence.

My Response: ................................................

Fr. Joachim