Third Sunday of Easter - Year A
April 40, 2017
Gospel: Lk 24:13-35
That very day, the first day of the week, two of
Jesus' disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called
Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it
happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near
and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him. He
asked them, "What are you discussing as you walk along?" They
stopped, looking downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply, "Are
you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things
that have taken place there in these days?" And
he replied to them, "What sort of things?" They said to him, "The
things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed
and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both
handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him. But we were hoping
that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the
third day since this took place. Some women from our group, however, have
astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his
body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who
announced that he was alive. Then some of those with us went to the tomb and
found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see." And
he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe
all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer
these things and enter into his glory?" Then beginning with Moses and all
the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the
Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave
the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, "Stay
with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over." So he went
in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he
took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their
eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. Then
they said to each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he
spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?" So they set out
at once and returned to Jerusalem
where they found gathered together the eleven and
those with them who were saying, "The Lord has truly been raised and has
appeared to Simon!" Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way
and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.
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This week’s spotlight
The Liturgy of the Word
The word of God, like the Eucharist nourishes us and
gives us life. The first reading is often a text from the Old Testament. We
then sing or say a psalm before listening to the second reading, which is often
taken from a letter from Saint Paul. This is followed by the Gospel, read by
either the Deacon or the Priest. Before the Gospel is read, we acclaim it with
an Alleluia. Finally, the Priest comments on the word of God to help us better
understand and live it.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
This liturgy begins with the preparation of the gifts
of bread and wine. In the Preface, we praise God the Father, and cry out, "Holy,
Holy, Holy!" In the Eucharistic Prayer, the Priest calls down the Holy
Spirit upon the bread and wine, and does
what Jesus did at the Last Supper. We
then pray the Our Father, just as Jesus taught us. After that, we may offer
peace to one another in preparation for Communion. Mass concludes with the
Prayer after Communion and the Final Blessing.
Reflection
Jesus walks with us
When we are at Mass, we are a little bit like the
disciples talked about in the Gospel. Just as if we were on the road to Emmaus,
the risen Christ comes to meet us along the way. He comes to speak to us as we
listen to the word of God. He is there to share our lives and to nourish us in
Holy Communion.Through the Eucharist, we experience union with Jesus and with
one another. The sign of peace at Mass expresses this union beautifully: Jesus
gives us his peace and his love so that we may share them with those around us.
The Eucharist strengthens us to return to our homes with hearts burning with
love for God and neighbor. Alleluia!
Discussion questions
1.Where are the disciples going?
2.What are they talking about?
3.Who joins the disciples on the road to Emmaus?
4.Do the disciples know that Jesus is with them at first?
5.What happens when Jesus shares a meal with his friends?
2.What are they talking about?
3.Who joins the disciples on the road to Emmaus?
4.Do the disciples know that Jesus is with them at first?
5.What happens when Jesus shares a meal with his friends?
After
receiving Holy Communion,
you can say this prayer silently to yourself. If you
have not yet
received your First Communion, you can still say this prayer because of your desire to
receive Jesus.
Father, through Jesus, in
communion with the whole Church, I thank you for coming into my heart. Make our
hearts burn within us, as did the hearts of the disciples on the road to
Emmaus. We believe that Jesus is risen and here with us in this Eucharist. Stay
with us, Lord.
This week…
Staying united through prayer
During your evening prayers this
week, think of someone you met at Mass. Pray, for example, for some person with
whom you exchanged the sign of peace. This will be a great way to remain in
communion with the people of your parish.
Do
you know of a child at school, in your neighborhood, or on your sports team who
is often alone or feels lonely? You can make a special effort to include him or
her in your group of friends - and convince your friends to be kind and
welcoming toward this person.
Maze Puzzle
Source: usccb.org
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