Easter Sunday
Morning Prayer
Grace: To abide with Jesus through the loneliness and anguish of his passion.
Gospel Reading: Lk 24: 13-35
Now that very day two of them were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”
And he replied to them, “What sort of things?”
They said to him, “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning3and did not find his body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”
And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning [within us] while he spoke to us on the way and opened the scriptures to us?” So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the eleven and those with them who were saying, “The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Reflection
I can almost see the two walking along the dusty path as Jesus approaches, hidden from their eyes until he begins speaking. As I am walking with my friend, I notice that he is downcast, but not nearly as much as I – my heart is heavy with the past week and I am confused about so many things. I feel betrayed and disillusioned. My friend Jesus was to redeem us; instead he was crucified like a common criminal. Some women saw him at the tomb but we did not. We have the words of scripture, but Jesus remains hidden from us.
Just then, Jesus begins speaking to us. Jesus tells me not to fear, that he will show me many hidden things that I have not yet known. Jesus tells me that he sees into my heart and today, he is giving me a clean heart, a renewed heart, purified of all my past failings. I feel my heart being filled with sweetness. I see Jesus looking into my eyes with his love pouring into my heart. Jesus asks me now if I know him. “Yes! My Risen Savior!”
We continue to walk along, and as I feel his luminous spirit near me, my soul is opened to the truths of his friendship that previously have been hidden. A new faith arises inside me, dispelling all my fears and anxieties. A fresh hope ascends from a dark place of disappointment. A passionate love embraces my soul, the likes of no human love I have ever known. In the silence, Jesus shows me hidden things I had not known.
This was a brief moment when Jesus walked so close to me. It may never happen like this again. But the story will live on. My friend and I will share it with the women. We will tell the story again and again, each time we are at table, breaking bread and drinking wine. We will joyfully proclaim, “He is Risen!”
Reflection Questions
- Do I, at times, not recognize Jesus walking alongside me? What are my distractions? How can I become more mindful of his presence?
- What is the road I travel most frequently? The path of holiness? Do I occasionally get lost and never end up where I intended to go?
- Who are the companions who accompany me on life’s footpaths? Do they lead me to Jesus? Would I be embarrassed or pleased to be with them if Jesus should approach us on the road?
I listen to “Hidden Things” while I enter a deeper sanctuary of my soul:
Hidden Things, by John Philip Newell:
Evening Prayer – Psalm 63: 5-9
Reflecting upon the previous image/song or poem,I call to mind:
“I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands, calling on your name.”
Jesus, I recollect the beauty and power of your name.
“My soul shall savor the rich banquet of praise; With joyous lips my mouth shall honor you!”
Thanksgiving: Take a moment to give thanks to the Lord for this day.
“When I think of you upon my bed, Through the night watches I will recall”
Review: I ask for the wisdom of God to show me the events, persons and insights of my day.
“That you indeed are my help, and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.”
Reflection: I remember one way today that I have failed to love and I ask Jesus for mercy.
“My soul clings fast to you; your right hand upholds me.”
Write a summary of the experiences you have received today.
The Contributor:
Jan Davis, D.Min., is a spiritual director with wide experience in leading retreats and parish missions. She teaches in the OST Magis Program and is a regular presenter in the OST Ignatian Twilight Retreats. As a published author, Jan writes on Ignatian, Theresian, and Benedictine spiritualties.
Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner.