Don’t you wish you could have been there when Cleopas and his friend were walking to Emmaus?
Wouldn’t it have been exciting to hear Jesus interpreting the Scriptures for them and to see the flash of recognition in their eyes when he broke bread with them?
Well, in a sense, we can “be there.” Jesus’ word can cause our hearts to burn, and bring us to the place where we recognize him. How is this possible? Because the Scriptures do more than teach us about Jesus—they bring him to us
!
As many times as we hear the Scriptures read at Mass, it’s good to be reminded that they aren’t just words on a page. As St. Paul taught, they are
“living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). Inspired by God, they are filled with his presence.
They have the Spirit’s own power to bring us his wisdom, peace, and joy—if only we make the effort to hear them with faith!
These two disciples had to walk a long way with Jesus before they recognized him—
and sometimes we do too. When we hear the Scriptures proclaimed at Mass, we can’t just assume that we have received everything we need from them.
- It’s so much better to listen carefully and
- try to imagine that we are there—in Galilee, in Jerusalem, or wherever—hearing Jesus speak to us.
- We should try to put aside any distractions,
- and listen for what Jesus may want to say to us personally.
In all of this, we can take comfort in knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work as well, pouring out the grace not only to help us hear the word but to make it bear fruit in our lives. He wants us to experience the fullness of God’s love in our spirits, souls, and bodies, and to share it with the world. So listen carefully—and don’t forget to ask for his help!
“Holy Spirit, help me to hear Jesus in his word.
I want to be touched, healed, comforted, and challenged!
Jesus, may your word transform me,
so that you can use me for your glory!”
