3rd Sunday of Easter (April 14, 2024)

Jesus, incognito, meets the two disciples on their way to Emmaus and as He explains the Scripture to them, their minds are gradually enlightened. Jesus waited until He had made them understand the Scripture before He allowed them to recognize Him.
God does not force our faith. He will usually not appear to us, overpowering our senses,leaving us no choice but to believe. He prefers to enlighten us gradually, to address our understanding.
For this, we need periods of silence and reflection. That is why the Church encourages recollections and retreats. These are moments of conversion and of growth in faith. When was the last time you went on one?
If we have participated in abortion or euthanasia, St. Peter offers us some consolation and hope: “And now, friends, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. ... Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.” God is always ready to forgive us our sins. Let us not be afraid or ashamed.

That as we recognize Jesus in the broken bread, so we may recognize Him in broken lives - the unwanted and the inconvenient, we pray to the Lord ...