Emmaus

HOMILY NOTES

FR. TERRY RYAN, CSP

LUKE 24: 13-35

APRIL 15, 2020

In all the times that I have read this “Road To Emmaus” Gospel, I have failed to notice that the two travelers did not finally recognize God in their midst until after they had offered hospitality to him, after they became concerned not so much about their disappointments, personal narrative, but became concerned about the welfare of the person traveling with them.  Before that the two disciples were focused on what they had not gotten, and then they entered into a bible study with Jesus that opened them up to a deeper meaning of scripture as does many a bible study.  But they still could not recognize the powerful presence of he Holy in their midst.  

Is it not often like that with all of us?  We say that we cannot find God and wonder what is the matter.  Why is God hiding from us?  But in reality, we are filled with our own agenda, and this is how we pray.  We ask, complain, plead, filled with mind-filled thoughts and heavy heart.  And some of us do bible study and we learn a lot, but as someone said, Knowledge seems to avail us nothing, or little in terms of recognizing the intimate presence of God in us.  

The gospel today is telling us that we must have compassion for others.  Get out of ourselves and our agenda and pay attention to the needs of others around us.  In this day of Social Distancing, we might be somewhat limited in what we can do.  But maybe we could attend a Zoom meeting where we could be of help to others in listening and comments.  Or we could write someone a letter since the post office is still functioning.  Or we could call someone on the phone and say we are thinking about them and their welfare.  I find that when I reach out to someone else, I get taken out of the prison of myself, me and mine.  I am on the same road to Emmaus as these two disciples.