Wednesday in the Octave of Easter

Readings for Wednesday in the Octave of Easter[1][2]
Readings from the Jerusalem Bible

Commentary:

Reading 1 Acts 3:1-10

This dramatic cure of the lame beggar begins a group of events that places the disciples in the footsteps of Jesus. In this first action, the beggar is cured in the name of Jesus and immediately led into the temple area. The symbolism here is Jesus heals and leads us to faith.

This event also serves a secondary purpose. In addition to demonstrating the power of God’s intense love invoked through the name of Jesus, it also served to draw a large crowd to hear St. Peter’s kerygmatic discourse.

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
R. Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.

This song of praise links us to the first reading from Acts by emphasizing the saving power of the name of the Lord. In using the name of God, the speaker implicitly gives glory to God for the blessings that follow.

Gospel Luke 24:13-35

This story of the disciples of the road to Emmaus is only found in Luke’s Gospel. There is a mention in Mark (Mark 16;12) that is vague but probably refers to this event. The actual location of Emmaus is not known but it is estimated that it was between 7 and 18 miles from Jerusalem. The focus of the story is the unrecognized Jesus (remember yesterday, Mary Magdalene thought he was a gardener) interprets scripture and then his recognition in the breaking of the bread (the Eucharistic reference).

Reflection:

The scripture placed before us today as we continue to rejoice in the Easter feast (are the jelly beans gone yet?) is so full of meaning for us that it is difficult to compose an adequate post in the time and space allotted. Instead of my usual monologue I am going to put down a few topics on each of the three scripture selections and invite the readers to pick one or two for today and just pray for inspiration from them:

In the reading from Acts, the cure of the “Lame Beggar”

- The disciples Peter and John invoke the name of Jesus (“…in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean, rise and walk”). As modern disciples of Jesus what power and authority do we command in His name?

- Once they had cured him, they led him into the temple area. The Apostles lead, do we follow?

In Psalm 105 – ths great song of praise

- David sings to the Lord thanking him for all he has done. Have we prayed that way lately or are we just asking for things from him?

- Like Peter and John who invoked the name of Jesus, David sings; “Give thanks to the Lord, invoke his name.” Do we do so with purpose or only as an emphatic reference?

From Luke’s Gospel the Disciples on the road to Emmaus

- That road, shuffling along in the dust with Jesus, we all walk that way. When was the last time we looked for the Lord’s guidance as we encountered him in the breaking of the bread?

- The Lord interpreted “…to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures” He is there for us today in the Word – the Logos. Have we looked there for guidance? Have we taken to heart what we have heard?

- How lucky were those two disciples to have met the Lord on that road. We might ask; “How could they have not known him?” But then we must ask; “How many times have we, on our own journey been joined by the Lord and failed to recognize him?”

There is so much to contemplate today as we bask in the Easter Joy of this time.

Pax

Please Pray for Esther.

[1] After Links to Readings Expire
[2] The picture today is “Supper at Emmaus” by Caravaggiio, 1601-02