08/04/2026
Wednesday April 8, 2026
OCTAVE OF EASTER
Vestment: White
Today’s Rosary: The Glorious Mysteries
(Acts 3: 1-10,Luke 24:13-35)
TODAY’S REFLECTION
Dear friends in Christ, The pilgrims of Emmaus had trusted in Jesus as a prophet, and hoped that he would be their victorious leader. They hoped for a military triumph of their nation, of the just who were oppressed, and for a new order of earthly freedom. Therefore the tragedy of the cross frightened them. Jesus cannot be found in the tomb either. Some women reported him alive, but the men who went to the tomb found nothing. But we meet Christ in the word of God and the breaking of Bread, as the pilgrims of Emmaus did. They had “lost” him were leaving the group of the disciples. Jesus meets them, and they return to the community of disciples. That is where they belong.
Why was it difficult for the disciples to recognize the risen Lord?Jesus' death scattered his disciples and shattered their hopes and dreams. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. They saw the cross as defeat and could not comprehend the empty tomb until the Lord Jesus appeared to them and gave them understanding.
Do you doubt the good news that Jesus rose to give you new life?
Jesus chided the disciples on the road to Emmaus for their slowness of heart to believe what the Scriptures had said concerning the Messiah. They did not recognize the risen Jesus until he had broken bread with them. Do you recognize the Lord in his word and in the breaking of the bread?
St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD) reflects on the dimness of their perception:
"They were so disturbed when they saw him hanging on the cross that they forgot his teaching, did not look for his resurrection, and failed to keep his promises in mind" (Sermon 235.1).
"Their eyes were obstructed, that they should not recognize him until the breaking of the bread. And thus, in accordance with the state of their minds, which was still ignorant of the truth - that the Christ would die and rise again, their eyes were similarly hindered. It was not that the truth himself was misleading them, but rather that they were themselves unable to perceive the truth." (From The Harmony of the Gospels, 3.25.72)
*How often do we fail to recognize the Lord when he speaks to our hearts and opens his mind to us? The Risen Lord is ever ready to speak his word to us and to give us understanding of his ways. Do you listen attentively to the Word of God and allow his word to change and transform you?
"Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart to recognize your presence with me and to understand the truth of your saving word. Nourish me with your life-giving word and with the bread of life." Wishing you a fantastic Wednesday and stay blessed
