St. Norbert's Church - Sunday Reflections

Today we have the Gospel which speaks about the disciples going to Emmaus. This Gospel speaks so much to our everyday experience of Jesus Christ. These disciples knew that Jesus had been crucified. They also knew the rumors that somehow He was alive. They were confused about what they believed or did not believe, but their hearts were clearly still hoping that He was the One to redeem Israel. Probably they still had in mind a Redeemer who would free them from the yoke of Roman domination. They did not yet clearly understand what kind of redemption the Redeemer was bringing. It is incredible that Jesus begins with Moses and the Prophets and explains

In this encounter, they do not immediately recognize that it is the Redeemer speaking to them. Clearly they begin to understand that this stranger explains the Scriptures in a way that shows how Jesus fulfilled them. The passage is really strong! It says that Jesus explained to them, beginning with Moses and all of the Prophets, every passage in all of the Scriptures that referred to Himself. Clearly this was a long walk! Nevertheless, it was a walk that opened their understanding so that when Jesus breaks bread later, they recognize Him as the Lord. What about us? Do we understand every passage in the Scriptures that refers to Jesus? Do we really understand Jesus as the fulfillment of a historical tradition of prophets talking about the coming of a Redeemer? Lots of people in Jesus time did not feel or sense any need of a Redeemer and were not looking for One. Yet there was a whole Jewish tradition of a Redeemer who was to come.

What about us? Do we need a Redeemer? Does our world need a Redeemer? Jesus was clear during the time before His death and Resurrection that He did not come for the righteous but for sinners, those who needed a Redeemer.

The Acts of the Apostles in today's first reading points out that Jesus fulfills the Scriptures but that the majority of those who believed in the Scriptures at that time did not accept Him as the Redeemer. Today lots of people have great admiration for the Christian Scriptures, but only as one holy book among many holy books of many religions. Our belief is that the Jewish and Christian Scriptures are privileged writing reflecting the Word of God in a way not found anywhere else.

The First Letter of Peter tells us today that we are redeemed from our futile conduct only with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb. There is no other Redemption. Jesus is not just another good man, in another religious tradition, passing on good holy writings. Jesus is the unique Son of God who has chosen to die for us so that we may live. Jesus Himself is raised from the dead as the first to be raised but also as a witness to God's love for all of us.

Let us continue this walk to Emmaus and meet the Lord on the way. Each day we are walking. Each day the Lord speaks to us. Do we recognize Him?