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April 26, 2020

3rd Sunday of Easter

In our Gospel (today) according to St. Luke, two disciples are leaving Jerusalem and walking to Emmaus.  One is named Cleopas. His companion is not named. Can he be a she -- his wife, Mary? Women are often unnamed in Sacred Scripture. Mary, the wife of “Clopas”, is mentioned in the Gospel according to John as one of the women present at the crucifixion. “Clopas” may well be a variant spelling of “Cleopas.” Matthew, the Evangelist, tells us: “as the first day of the week is dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary come to see the tomb.” Early In our Catholic Tradition, some Christians did make the assumption that the unnamed disciple walking to Emmaus was Mary, the wife of Cleopas.  

If Cleopas and Mary are in Jerusalem for the Passover and Mary is present at the crucifixion and a witness to finding the tomb empty, then we can understand why they are having an animated conversation about all these events. Is Mary doubting what she saw and heard? Is she trying to convince her skeptical husband Cleopas that what she experienced really did happen? They are surprised when a stranger walks with them and he seems to be uninformed.

“Their eyes are kept from recognizing Jesus” but there is a deepening of their understanding of the events that have taken place. Jesus uses Sacred Scripture and recalls his own words to explain all that has taken place. When they arrive at their destination, the two companions ask Jesus to “stay with us.” At table, when the mysterious guest breaks, blesses and shares the bread, they recognize him as the Risen Lord.

As we journey through the unchartered landscape of the pandemic, we may ask God: “Why?” and may fail to notice that Jesus is walking with us. As we shelter at home or provide essential services, we are given the opportunity, the grace, to reflect on Sacred Scripture. Perhaps, as never before, the trauma of Covid-19 will provide a point of reference and deeper appreciation of God’s Word and, in turn, God’s Word will provide perspective, guidance and reassurance as we face the ordeal knowing God is with us in Jesus Christ.

Like Cleopas and his companion, maybe his wife Mary, we need to beseech Jesus: “Stay with us!”    

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2nd Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy

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4th Sunday of Easter