Daily Gospel Reflection for April 24, 2019

Reflection by Brenda Kindelan Today's Gospel: Luke 24:13-35 Alleluia! On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead and He wanted his friends to know. He appeared to Mary Magdalen, the other women, and His apostles. Jesus also appeared to two disciples as they walked with downcast eyes from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus. Since they had awaited a triumphant savior, they did not understand why Jesus had to suffer in his passion and death. And even after they heard from their friends about the angels’ announcement that Jesus had risen and was alive – they were still confused and decided to leave town. I can picture them shuffling their feet – even kicking rocks along the way. Suddenly a stranger appeared in their midst! Soon their eyes were opened and their hearts were burning as Jesus explained salvation history and shared His own body through the breaking of the bread. Then with a sense of urgency, they set out at once from Emmaus back to Jerusalem! Jesus is in my midst too! And like the old song says, “he walks with me and he talks with me and he tells me I am his own.” Yet, sometimes I am lonely, dazed, and confused. I am easily distracted by earthly matters instead of gazing upward to heaven. This is where Jesus can help! Each Mass is a prequel of the heavenly liturgy and unites me with the church in heaven, the Virgin Mary, and all the saints! Therefore, Jesus in the Eucharist is the link between heaven and earth. I feel His presence during Mass when I pray with the other members of the Body of Christ, hear the gospels proclaimed, and partake of His body that was consecrated through the hands of a priest “in persona Christi”. Jesus is still with me - body, blood, soul, and divinity!

Ponder:

St. Paul says in Colossians 3:2, “Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.” Do I have a sense of urgency to walk more closely with the Lord?

Pray:

Lord, lead me from my earthly Emmaus to heavenly Jerusalem: my final destination.

Copyright 2019 Brenda Kindelan Brenda Kindelan leads the Memphis Women's Morning of Spirituality, gives talks, goes to prison (ministry), hunts for bargains, and prays at her kitchen table with friends! She married Juan 46 years ago. They have 4 daughters and 6 grandchildren. Oh yeah, find out why she's one of Therese's little flowers at brendakindelan.com Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required