- John 20:19-31
Take a moment and put yourself into this Gospel, walking along the road to Emmaus with the two disciples. Imagine how confused and distressed they must have felt from the events of the past three days. Jesus, who they’ve been following and believe to be the Messiah, has been arrested and executed as a traitor. If that isn’t enough, word has come to the disciples that the body has disappeared, and no one knows what is really going on. Although the answers are there for them to find in Jesus’ teachings, their human nature takes over, and they remain blinded to all the pieces of the puzzle and how they fit together. Now they meet a stranger who, seemingly, doesn’t know what has happened but, in a twist, is able to explain everything to them. When they reach their destination, they invite him in to share a meal, and, through this meal, come to realize that it is Jesus and that he has risen from the dead. In an instant, their world is turned upside down again, and they rush back to share the good news with their friends.
The road to Emmaus gives us one of the best examples of how to live our lives as Christians. It teaches us that, when we are confused and unsure, we are to turn to God for help and all will be made clear. More than that, though, it gives us three specific ways to do this. First and foremost, it is in conversation with Jesus that the disciples’ hearts are set on fire. As they say, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way?” Conversation with God is another name for prayer. It is through prayer that we are able to understand where God is leading us and why we are traveling along our current path. Second, as they are walking Jesus opens up and explains the Scripture to them. It is through reading the Scripture, the Word of God that we come to know God’s plan. The Scriptures are truly the Living Word of God and have new things to teach us at every stage in our lives, as long as we give them the opportunity. Finally, the disciples’ eyes are fully opened when Jesus breaks bread with them. The Eucharist is the summit of our lives as Catholics and the ultimate source of the Grace we need to live a Christian life. It is in the Eucharist that we are able to encounter Jesus in a personal way and allow him to work in our lives. It strengthens us for the journey and how to live a virtuous life.
But if we just stop there we are not really living as Jesus wants. It is not enough to simply encounter Jesus through prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist. After we encounter him we need to share that with others. Just as the disciples rushed back to Jerusalem to share what they had experienced, we too are called to share what we have experienced with those around us. This is the heart of the New Evangelization. We encounter Jesus in a personal way, grow in our relationship with him and then share or witness to that relationship with others. Whether it is through conversations with friends and family, praying with those in need or simply living a good life and allowing that to serve as a silent witness to Christ, we all must play our part. This is our common vocation as baptized Christians: to help evangelize the world by living out lives of holiness. Are you ready to accept the challenge?