In both the reading from Acts and 1Peter we see a changed man. Peter is no longer a fearful and faltering disciple but one who is able to speak the truth with love and courage. He has been transformed by the power of the Resurrection to continue the mission of Jesus. In the Gospels another transformation takes place in the lives of the two disciples journeying to Emmaus. While they are trying to figure out what has happened in Jerusalem, concerning Jesus, a stranger approaches them.

There is a brief commentary on this Gospel from Luke that tells us that the risen Jesus was different and initially unrecognizable. The disciples would need to be spiritually disposed to recognize him [and so do we]. And so Jesus begins the process. "What are you discussing as you walk along?" Jesus asks. They respond in bewilderment, asking him if he's the only visitor to Jerusalem who doesn't know what has happened there. He probes some more asking, "What sort of things?" The disciples explain about the crucifixion of Jesus and that some of the women had gone to his tomb and found it empty. Jesus then continues to open their hearts by going through all the Scriptures that referred to his mission on earth.

As evening approaches the two disciples invite Jesus to stay with them. They must have been perplexed as to who this stranger really is, yet, they felt closeness - of some kind. How often, in our own lives have we had a similar experience? Then during their meal, they see Jesus take the bread, bless it, break it and give it to them. No longer perplexed, they know now they have seen the Risen Lord! But he is gone from them again! In their amazement and joy they hurry back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples of their experience. They learn that Jesus has also appeared to Simon---He is Alive!

Some thoughts:

What are we discussing along the way?

How are traveling on our journey? .

Prayer:
Jesus, open our hearts to receive your word. Help us to realize that the whole point of our journey is to become aware of your Spirit within us. Amen

Sr. Evelyn Cirvello, O.P.