“Overcoming our ‘lethargic and uninterested walk’ in spiritual life and instead, being filled with a robust enthusiasm to ‘run in His presence’ and announce the Good News of His Saving Love to the world!”
(Based on Acts 3:1-10 and Lk 24:13-35)
A common phrase that is often heard or read is…
“Most children walk to school…. but come back home running!”
Reasonably true, in most cases, right?
It takes a long walk to reach school
… as its often considered as “the not so interesting” part for a child
… to study, to be under various rules, to be restricted to a classroom etc
But it takes a very short run to reach back home
… as it is often considered as “the thrilling” part for a child – to play, to enjoy, to have fun etc.
Our interest influences our attitudes toward activities in life.
The greater the interest…
… the higher is the enthusiasm in an activityThe lower the interest…
… the lower will be the keenness for a particular work.
The Gospel of the Day presents two disciples who “walk away from home” in disinterest and dejection
… but later “who run towards home” with enthusiasm and passion!
The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion
The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness
The encounter of Jesus to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus is one of the classic Resurrection encounters.
This incident appears only in the Gospel of St Luke.
The unnamed disciples have been shaken up very badly over the incidents over the last week in Jerusalem.
Like the Apostles, these disciples also would have been severely affected
Their Master, Jesus, in whom they had trusted, and they had followed, underwent a shameful death – that of a criminal.
It was humiliating…
… to be called as followers of a CriminalIt was abasing…
… to be called to as followers of a Blasphemer
Added to that, the accounts of some women who had seen the Empty Tomb of the Lord, added to greater confusion.
Life seemed to be dealing harshly with them
Gloom had descended into their hearts
Grim had taken over their lives.
And so they “walked” disappointed and dejected
… away from “home” – Jerusalem – to a village named Emmaus.
But this “walk” in sadness and gloom, was soon to become a life-transforming event!
Moments of hardships often become moments to encounter the deep love of the Lord!
Situations of dejections often become situations to experience the immense mercy of God!
Jesus met them, explained the Scriptures to them and finally in the house, broke the bread
… “and their eyes were opened!” (Lk 24: 30-31)
Their gloom was taken away
Their mourning was converted
Their sadness was chased away
This experience “had to be shared”
… This experience “had to be recounted”
And so these disciples, who had “encountered” the Lord
… now “ran”!
The walk away…
… was a dull tale of being filled with disappointment and confusion
The walk towards…
… is an exciting story of being filled with immense joy and happiness
How is our life?
Are we merely “walking” through activities and works in life, in dissipation
… or are we “running” through our duties and responsibilities filled with joy and hope?Are we merely “walking” passively in our spiritual life and our Christian witnessing…
… or are we “running” boldly and enthusiastically, overflowing with happiness and love?
The Lord walks with us… on our every journey, in our every activity
But seldom do we see Him
… seldom do we “feel” His presence!
Those disciples realised this “feeling” of the Lord being with them at the Breaking of the Bread…
There lies the key
… there lies the open secret
The realization of the Presence of the Lord is guaranteed and facilitated by a meaningful participation in the Lord’s Body and Blood – at the Holy Eucharist!
The Lord in the Holy Eucharist, calls and invites us… to experience Him, to encounter Him
… to be transformed by Him!
In the Acts of the Apostles, the lame man at the gate of the Temple experienced this transforming touch of the Lord through Peter and John.
Peter and John offered the gift of healing that was promised by the Lord to everyone who sought Him: “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” (Acts 3:6)
The lame man would be touched by the Lord and with strength and power, “jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God!” (Acts 3:8)
Yes, the Lord invites all of us…
… to experience Him, to encounter Him
… to be transformed by Him!
May the Lord help us to overcome our “lethargic and uninterested walking” in spiritual life…
… and instead, help us to be filled with a robust enthusiasm to “run” in His presence and announcing the Good News of His Saving Love to the world!
Happy Easter to all of you!
God Bless! Live Jesus!
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