Posted by The WORD in other words (2022) by Sr. Angelita Roferos, SSpS – Provincial House, Quezon City
Wednesday Octave of Easter
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Probably the other disciples who was with Cleopas was Mary, the parents of James the younger (one of the 12 apostles). These disciples must have been in Jerusalem since Good Friday, waiting for Jesus’ promise to rise on the third day. But when nothing seemed to happen despite talks of empty tomb, they were disillusioned and decided to go home to Emmaus, several miles from Jerusalem. On their way they shared their crashed hopes, their shattered dream of a Savior for Israel. Their faith was crumbling.
In no time, a stranger caught up with them and after prying into their sharing he “took over the floor,” and the latter explained the whole thing to the two whose eyes were downcast but now with ears open and hearts burning.
When they reached their destination the stranger gave the impression that he was still going farther; but they urged him to stay with them for it was already dark. The stranger graciously accepted to stay. To their amazement, during the meal, their guest proceeded with the familiar gesture of breaking of bread, leading them to recognize that their guest was no other than the Risen Jesus!
The disciples’ concern for the safety and wellbeing of the stranger made possible for the great miracle to happen. If they did not invite him to stay for the night, he would just have passed by their lives.
Our life is an Emmaus walk, a colorful journey of faith passing through a kaleidoscope of experiences. The truth is, in every experience, Jesus is there with us. We have only to open our eyes of faith and love to see him in the people we encounter, especially the needy. If we ignore them, it is letting Jesus pass by our lives without experiencing him. (see Mt. 25:31-46).
One of the admirable traits of Filipinos is hospitality. This time the focus of our hospitality should be the poor who are neglected by society. We cannot ignore the “cry of the poor” (Laudato Si). The poor are not only those devoid of material things, but also those who are denied their human rights. The cry for justice is getting louder in our society today. Shall we continue to ignore it? Do we just let Jesus pass by our lives?
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