Homily for the Third Sunday of Easter: The Path We Walk

3rd Sunday of Easter, A                                                                                             April 26, 2020
Fr. Albert                                                                                St. John the Evangelist, Jeanerette

Video of whole Mass: https://youtu.be/qbP3ttkVaKc

If the Last Supper was the first Mass, then what we read today is the second. The same basic structure is there: Jesus teaches from Scripture, recalling important passages but explains to them what it means. he takes bread, blesses it, breaks, and gives it to them. Take, Bless, Break, and Give – these are the same four actions of Jesus at the Last Supper, when he institutes the Eucharist. To top it off, it is at that moment they realize that Jesus is with them. The section even ends saying, “he was made know to them in the breaking of the bread.”

At every Mass we do the same: Scripture is read, then explained in the homily, and then we take bread, bless it, break it, and distribute it to the congregation. And yet, it’s easy for us to lose sight of the whole picture here. Some Catholics, if they go to Mass on a given week and the homily was bad, they consider it a waste of time. Others will read the bulletin during the homily and head for the door the second they get communion. Still others will say “the music was dull; I didn’t enjoy it.”

It is fairly natural for different people to notice different aspects of the same thing. The problem is when we allow our own personal dispositions to justify ignoring the bigger picture. Though most of you are unable to go to Mass at the moment – perhaps because you cannot go – this is a good chance to evaluate how well you enter into the mystery that is expressed in this Gospel and at every Mass.

It actually begins what happens before the liturgy. Cleopas and this other disciple are already discussing the events of Jesus’ life when he comes up beside them. As you journey through your life, do you consider and reflect upon the mysteries of our faith? Do you reflect on scripture and discuss it with others? An encouraging thing is that these two even got it wrong – they did not understand the death and resurrection – but this reflection and discussion in their daily lives still prepared them to receive and recognize Jesus.

The next thing is their willingness to engage with Jesus. Though they were prevented from recognizing him, they were willing to bring their faith – or lack thereof – into focus and conversation. How many people, I wonder, come to Mass unaware and unengaged, sitting like pew-potatoes? To truly benefit from this walk with Jesus, we need to bring an openness with us and be willing to ask questions of God and ourselves, to be eager to seek the answers He provides.

Then we reach some steps we might recognize. After inviting them into conversation, Jesus rebukes these men and honestly addresses their weaknesses. Is this not what we do immediately after the sign of the cross with the penitential act? Having officially begun the liturgy, we can go no further without admitting our sins, our foolishness and sluggishness to believe. But with routine, it is easy to miss this crucial step. How often do we actually “acknowledge our sins,” really calling them to mind and seeking forgiveness when the priest invites us? Or do we just repeat the words “I confess to Almighty God” thoughtlessly?

The next step is to hear scripture. Catholics are often accused by other Christians of not knowing and loving Scripture. It’s not for lack of trying! We read 3 or 4 important passages from it every time we celebrate Mass. Do we truly try to hear the word as it is proclaimed? Or do our hearts and ears close when we hear the familiar words “a reading from… the gospel according to”…?

Then follows the homily. As much as this is outside of your control, there is still an element of faith here. The Holy Spirit can and does work even through broken instruments. To a devout soul, a bad homily can still be beneficial and God himself often uses a preacher’s words in unexpected ways; perhaps even just to inspire a greater hunger for the truth.

Finally, we come to the consecration. The process that began with walking and talking with Jesus continues – they seek to draw closer to Jesus and remain with him, a sort of offering up of their continued interest and attention. So it is with the offering of the gifts. And the Eucharistic prayer is chock full of Scripture, continuing that journey through the Word of God that began in the readings and homily. Do you listen to these words? Do you attentively follow the taking and blessing and breaking of this bread? Or are you just impatiently waiting for the “giving” part, where you get what you came for?

When it does come to receiving communion, notice how these two respond. Their first response was, “were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” They realized that it was the combination of Scripture and teaching that enabled them to recognize and receive Jesus in the first place. To think that receiving communion is the only thing that matters is a mistake. The fact that you’re watching and listening even when you can’t come to Mass, however, is a good sign; make that an attitude that continues when you do return.

Last of all, but just as importantly, there is what comes after Mass. Filled with joy at the recognition of the gift they’ve been given, they are eager to proclaim it to others. So eager, in fact, that they walk another seven miles after supper even after spending the whole day to get to Emmaus in the first place. Does the burning of your hearts from Scripture and the Eucharist spill over into a burning for evangelization, for sharing the good news that Jesus is with us in spite of death?

Both the first reading and the psalm rejoice, saying “You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” The path is indeed made known to us at Mass and in the way that Mass should affect our lives before and after. The question is, will you walk in it? This miniature exile can be a lesson to us. Our whole lives are truly a time of exile, of looking forward to and journeying toward our true home. When the time comes that you can come home, to Mass or to your final home, will you really be ready to make the journey? Will you start that journey now?