Word from the Pastor

Third Sunday of Easter

Jesus himself drew near.

Dear parish family,​

In this story of two disciples on their way to Emmaus, we hear that Jesus himself drew near and walked with them. Since they did not recognize Jesus, they explained to him all of the things that had been happening regarding Jesus the Nazarene. And then Jesus, beginning with Moses and all the prophets … interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. ​

Throughout salvation history, God in all his power draws near. God, having called Abraham to a new land, draws near to promise him that he will be the father of a great people. God, having drawn the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, draws near to his people to give his commands and lead them in the pillar of fire. God, having given his people the judges and King David, draws near to speak to his people through the prophets. God, having promised a Messiah, draws near to his people in the Incarnation. Christ, having defeated death, draws near to the disciples as they journey. ​

Jesus meets the disciples in their confusion and pain and speaks to them, interpreting the Scriptures so they can see God’s plan and God’s work more clearly. God has spoken to his people through the prophets, and now he speaks through his very Son. The disciples respond, begging Christ, Stay with us. Christ joins them at the table, takes the bread, says the blessing, breaks it, and gives it to them. They recognize him in the breaking of the bread and then he disappears. They share with each other how their hearts were burning within them, and they hurry to share this Good News with others. ​

In a moment, Christ will give himself to us in the breaking of the bread. Now, the question remains: Will we recognize him? Will we notice our hearts burning within us? As Bishop Barron says in his Word on Fire Bible commentary on this Gospel passage: “The Eucharist is Christ himself, personally and actively present … This is why it is through the lens of the Eucharist that Jesus comes most fully and vividly into focus.” ​

So let us turn our focus to Jesus, who draws near to us here today He is truly present in this liturgy surrounding us in the community gathered, speaking to us in the Scriptures proclaimed, giving himself to us in the Blessed Sacrament. ​

Fr. Jean Jadotte
Pastor