JESUS REKINDLES OUR SPIRIT

3^rd Sunday of Easter 2021

In today’s Gospel (Lk 24: 35-48), we see in the second part of the story of Road to Emmaus, where the disciples returned to their fellow disciples in Jerusalem and shared their testimony and witnesses of what they had experienced and how they had recognised Jesus in the breaking of bread.  It is a very humanly story and do read it the whole chapter of Luke 24 in full.

In our engagement, conversation and encounter with someone who is broken in their life, first we have to listen to his or her troubles.  As we continue journeying with the person we may able to penetrate into the person’s heart and gradually we console, comfort and give a hope in the life of the person.  Jesus always chooses to journey with us, to visit, stay and give us hope in our lives, so it eventually will be fulfilling.

 

When I go and bless a home, I always take on this particular Gospel reading - The Road to Emmaus (Lk 24). I will read partially from this chapter and highlight the point where the disciples pressed Jesus to stay with them, since it was nearly evening and the day was almost at an end (cf. Lk 24: 29).  This is what we need from Jesus, when we move to a new house.  We invite and welcome Jesus to stay with us, and because His presence means a lot to us.  Wherever we go, we want Jesus to walk with us and be our companion in both times of sorrow, broken, trouble and joy.  Again, I assure you that Jesus will always choose to journey with you, to visit you, to stay with you and to give you a fulfilling hope.

 

At any point of time, Jesus is walking with us.  Even St. Patrick claim upon the Lord, “Christ BESIDE me, Christ BEFORE me, Christ BEHIND me, Christ WITHIN me, Christ BENEATH me, Christ ABOVE me”. In whatever situations, either our road and destiny is rough or smooth sailing, He walks with us as how He walked with the troubled disciples who returned to their lived village - “Jesus Himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognising Him”.

 

We heard of a broken heart and broken dream of these two troubled disciples. The Risen Lord, only revealed to them when they were having meal with Him where He broke the bread and share it with them. Jesus, in His time, gradually reveals Himself to us – and this may appear physically in front of our eyes, though one should not depend on that as a sign, but for sure, He appears in your hearts. That’s where He dwells, right there – inside YOU!  When our hearts are alive with our faith in Christ, He will rekindle our spirit, faith, hope and peace.  So, keep the doors of our hearts, be always open to Him.

 

This Sunday, we shall serve the Lord and carry out our mission of the Church to witness Christ who has done wonders in us and make Him known to others who are in troubles and sorrows. Together we make our journey with Jesus, as we witnessing Him, and help others to repent from their sins as we help ourselves, and draw ourselves closer to Him.