Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel." (Lk. 24:21)

This is the Third Sunday of Easter. Jesus walks with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. This gospel speaks of those disaffiliating with the Church and the way Christ brings them back. The disciples were walking away from Jerusalem, meaning the Church. They hoped Christ would satisfy their longing for meaning and happiness. Chris Stefanick said "What would we think if everything we were leaving the Church for was right under our nose?" Fulton Sheen said "People leave the Church not for what she is but rather for what they think she is."

Christ meets them where they and sincerely listens to them. Afterward, he connects the scripture with their current experience. He invites them to take the next step whatever it is. Finally they encounter Him in the breaking of the bread. Let this example be our guide to accompaniment.

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I sincerely listen to people without a preconceived response?
• Who am I accompanying on their journey?
• Who was there for me in my journey to Christ in his Church?