Did not our hearts burn within us

Acts 2:14.22-33, 1 Pet. 1:17-21, Jn 24:13-35. Being the Third Sunday of Easter Year A, the Church invites us to allow the Word of God to heal and renew us. The first reading presents an extract from the sermon of Peter following the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-11). Appealing to the Scriptures, he shows that all is in accord with the pre-announced plan of God. Peter’s words are blunt: “You killed him ...”. However, his concern is not on 'blame game' but conversion of heart. By raising Christ from the dead, God has taken up the evil involved in His death and turned it into an outpouring of salvation. The appeal is: “You have this second chance. Align yourselves now with the power of the risen Lord”. In the second reading, Peter reminds his literary audience of how precious they are in God’s sight, since God has paid so great a cost for their ransom.

Today's Gospel story of the conversation on the road to Emmaus, displays how Jesus meets people wherever they are: Mary Magdalene in her weeping, Thomas in his doubting, the group gathered in the upper room in their fear. Here He meets the two disciples in their disillusionment and disbelief. We are overwhelmed by the “tenderness of God” who, as He did with the two disciples of Emmaus, “warms our heart” and opens our eyes. They did not understand and they were on the road. The enthusiasm they had before Passover turned into bitterness and disappointment over the events that ended badly. Jesus, to whom they had entrusted their life, seemed to have lost the decisive battle. They nourished only human hope and it is now shattered. This moment of pandemic and when things are not going our way evoke sadness, defeats and failures. The Lord knows the disappointments and depths of our bitterness. Jesus walks with all disheartened persons who walk with their head lowered and in Jesus. God never stops loving us. He continues to talk to us through the Scriptures and invites us to make room to feel Jesus, who warms our heart.

May the Lord restore our hope and heal the world from coronavirus pandemic! Amen!! Keep safe and happy Sunday!!!