Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

 Third Sunday of Easter, Year, A– April 30, 2017

Readings: Acts 2:14.22-33; Responsorial Psalm Ps 16:1-2a.5.7-8.9-10.11(R.11a); 1 Pet 1:17-21; Gospel Luke 24:13-35.

Theme: Emmaus: Journeying with the Chief Catechist!

Friends in Christ, as we continue witnessing to the resurrection of Christ, our liturgy this Sunday calls us to pay attention to details. The interesting thing about these details is that they are coming directly from the resurrected-Christ himself who is our Chief Catechist. This homily is inspired by the submission of Rev. Fr. Benet Uwasomba who quoted scripture scholars as saying: “The Emmaus story is a sophisticated Eucharistic catechesis.” We shall soon discover how.

Events leading to the Emmaus story had been that of gloom for the disciples whose hopes were dashed at the scandalous death of their Lord and Master. Was there anything left of their missionary enterprise? Well, your guess is as good as mine. Most of them went back to their fishing profession. Little wonder Thomas was missing when the Lord came visiting. His doubt about Christ’s visible appearance confirms their state of mind at the Lord’s death. In their discussion with Jesus, the Emmaus disciples made this disclosure: “We were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel;” they also noted that some of them also visited the tomb and found things as the women in their group had told them “but him they did not see” – they were presenting an uncertain scenario.   

The Emmaus disciples were discussing the circumstances surrounding the unjust manner in which their people crucified the Lord. We were told that they were “conversing and debating” about the events that have been and “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognising him.” Don’t we get too often get caught up in the maze of life without noticing Jesus walking by us? He comes in form of a beggar, a cripple, a starving child and a widow. Examples are rife of how Jesus disguises himself in form of those who are at the margins of society and we don’t get to help him.

Well, back to the story - Jesus used the opportunity to challenge their slowness to believe the prophets adding that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and enter into his glory.  Going back to Moses and all the prophets, he catechised them concerning what referred to him in the whole of the scripture. This rare privilege of getting first hand catechesis from the Chief Catechist himself speaks to the heart of the Liturgy of the Word which is the first part of the celebration of the Holy Mass. How often do our hearts burn like these disciples for the Word of God at home, our work places and at Mass?

The importance of the Liturgy of the Word in the celebration of the Eucharist calls us to ensure that we come for Mass early so as to listen to the Word of God which adequately prepares us for the reception of Holy Communion as we shall discover in the Emmaus encounter. Accordingly, it was when they were at the breaking of the bread that they recognised Jesus. Make no mistake about it – the Church insists on the Liturgy of the Eucharist which is why hearing the Word of God precedes the reception of the Eucharist. We too, ought to use this reading to reaffirm our believe in the real presence of Christ in a world in which secularism with all its trappings present the worship of God as a mere social function without insisting on the centrality of the Holy Eucharist “as the source and the summit of our lives and existence.”

The craze for materialism, miracles or signs and wonders is as a result of lack of sound catechesis. Sadly, many pastors of souls who are supposed to be responsible for catechising the flock are busy selling miracle oils and candles while insisting on the power of the devil to the detriment of doctrinal teaching. Being truly Catholic concerns a deep conviction in the Word of God and reception of the sacraments as taught by the Church’s Magisterium over the years through Sacred Tradition – Only Eucharistic nourishment is capable of sustaining this kind of faith – noting more.  

We must recommit ourselves to daily active participation at Mass and reception of the Eucharist as well as renewed reverence for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  By these pious acts, our eyes will open like those of the two disciples to seeing Christ in the daily events of our lives as well as serving him in others with the strength which the Eucharist gives. We must journey from Emmaus back to the “Jerusalem” of our places of work and domicile to proclaim that Christ is indeed risen as St. Peter charges us in the first and second readings (Acts 2:14.22-33 &1 Pet 1:17-21). What is more, we ought to be witnesses of the risen Christ, the Chief Catechist of our faith, through solemn proclamation and by the manner of our lives. Have a great week ahead!