3rd Sunday of Easter

04-19-2026Weekly ReflectionFr. Chris

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

In today’s Gospel, two disciples are walking away — from Jerusalem, from hope, from the Cross. They are discouraged, confused, and disappointed. And yet, it is precisely there, on the road, that the Risen Jesus comes near.

He walks with them. He listens. He explains the Scriptures. And finally, they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread.

This is the journey of discipleship.

For our neophytes, newly baptized and received into the Church at Easter: today’s Gospel is your map. You have encountered Christ in the Word and most powerfully in the Eucharist. Your hearts have burned within you. But now begins the daily walk — the road of life, where faith must deepen.

Notice: the disciples did not recognize Jesus at first. Discipleship is learning to see Him, even when He is hidden — in Scripture, in the Eucharist, and in the ordinary moments of life.

Once they recognize Him, they do not stay in Emmaus. They return to Jerusalem. They become missionaries.

That is the call for all of us, and especially for you, our neophytes: You are not only welcomed — you are sent.

So today, let us ask:

• for hearts that burn with the Word,
• eyes that recognize Jesus in the Eucharist,
• and feet that run to proclaim Him.

Because the Risen Christ still walks with us — and He turns disciples into witnesses.

May the Holy Spirit keep giving us grace to move forward from discipleship to mission to witness.

God Bless.

Father Chris