REMEMBER JESUS MORE
The story of the disciples of Emmaus describes for us an experience lived out by two of Jesus’ followers while they walk from Jerusalem toward the small town of Emmaus, 8 kilometers from the capital. The narrator tells it with such skill that it helps us even today to revive our faith in the Risen Christ.
Two disciples of Jesus depart from Jerusalem, abandoning the group of followers who have been formed around Jesus. With Jesus dead, the group is disintegrating. Without him there’s no reason to keep together. The dream has evaporated. When Jesus died there also died the hope that he had awakened in their hearts. Isn’t something like that happening in our communities? Aren’t we letting our faith in Jesus die?
Yet these disciples keep talking about Jesus. They can’t forget him. They comment on what happened. They try to find some meaning in what they have lived with him. «As they were talking, Jesus came up to them and started walking with them». This is the first gesture of the Risen One. The disciples aren’t able to recognize him, but Jesus is already present, walking next to them. Doesn’t Jesus today walk hidden next to so many believers who abandon the Church but keep remembering him?
The intention of the narrator is clear: Jesus comes close when the disciples remember him and talk about him. He becomes present where his Gospel is being discussed, where there’s interest in his message, where they talk about his way of living and his project. Isn’t Jesus so absent among us because we talk little about him?
Jesus is interested in conversing with them: «What conversation is that which you are making as you go on your way?» He doesn’t impose on them by revealing his identity. He asks them to keep talking about their experience. Talking with him they go about discovering their blindness. He will open up their eyes when, guided by his word, they make a journey within. That’s how it is. If in the Church we talk more about Jesus and converse more with him, our faith will come alive.
The disciples tell him about their expectation and deceptions; Jesus helps them to deepen the identity of the crucified Messiah. The hearts of the disciples start to burn within; they feel the need for that «stranger» to stay with them. When they celebrate the Eucharistic meal, their eyes are opened and they recognize him: Jesus is with them nourishing their faith!
We Christians must remember Jesus more: quote his word, comment on his way of living, go deeper into his project. We must open the eyes of our faith and discover him full of life in our Eucharists. Jesus isn’t absent. He is walking next to us.
José Antonio Pagola
Translator: Fr. Jay VonHandorf
