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?