FOLLOW THE RISEN ONE ON THE WAY

"They returned to Jerusalem..., and told what had happened to them on the way" (24:33, 35).

That Sunday, two disciples were on their way to Emmaus, a village about 12 kilometers west of Jerusalem. They were walking in confusion and despair. But, on the way, the risen Jesus joins them, unbeknownst to them. The dialogue that takes place, and especially the actions of the Master, provide us with some clues that can guide our own pilgrimage of faith:

• The Jesus we follow is the same one who approaches us on the paths of confusion, doubt and frustration. His company, sometimes silent, is also a tender way of being in solidarity with us.
• Our expectations do not always correspond to the circumstances that come to us, and that is when we most need to distinguish the voice of the Lord from the internal and external noises.
• Hearing the voice of the Risen One is the only thing that can set our icy hearts on fire. His word enlightens our understanding and gives us back the glow of hope.
• Hearing the voice of the Lord keeps us in the community of faith and renews our commitment to mission. 

Those disciples could not understand the events of the passion and the cross. The testimony of the women seemed crazy to them. It was hard for them to accept that the movement initiated by Jesus of Nazareth, "a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God and all the people," should end in this way.

We are not exempt from feeling, thinking and experiencing the same. Therefore, it is good to remember that, in this Easter season, we not only celebrate the victory over death, sin and all oppressions; we not only affirm our hope in a glorious future. We also remember that the Risen One walks with us on all the paths of this life. May his voice and his presence encourage us!