Third Sunday of Easter

Today's Mass Readings

Did you notice that all the verbs the two disciples use to describe Jesus are in the past tense? They say: Jesus of Nazareth was a prophet, we hoped he’d redeem Israel, we found an empty tomb…. In a short three days, the movement that was their whole life became ancient history. Yet what happens on the Road to Emmaus? As the disciples journey together the Risen Lord makes Himself present in His person, by opening up the Scriptures, and in the breaking of bread. The one who was mighty in deed and word is made present now in their midst.

Sometimes we come to Mass as if it were archaeology—just digging up stuff from the past and staring. It might be interesting or might not be. Then, we go home. Yet what happens each Mass is the Last Supper, Calvary, and Easter Morning for us right here.

St. Augustine said:

Where did the Lord wish to be recognized? In the breaking of bread. It was for our sake that he didn’t want to be recognized anywhere but there, because we weren’t going to see him in the flesh, and yet we were going to eat his flesh. So if you’re not called a Christian for nothing, if you don’t come to church pointlessly, if you listen to the word of God in fear and hope, you may take comfort in the breaking of bread. The Lord’s absence is not an absence. Have faith, and the one you cannot see is with you. (Sermon 235.2-3)

Notice that preceding Christ’s becoming present to the two disciples, they were conversing and debating about all that had occurred, and when Christ visibly left, they continued to ponder and praise. Preparation is necessary. I had ridden a bike and bumper car before I started to drive, but I wouldn’t say I was highway-ready the first time behind the wheel. I needed preparation. I remember the driving instructor saying, “Squeeze the brake,” and thinking, “How do I squeeze the pedal with my foot?” But there’s a feel you only learn through preparation.

If Christ makes Himself bodily present in the celebration of the Eucharist, then we must be present. When we aren’t prepared for Mass, it’s not just that we let graces pass us by; it’s that we don’t give due reverence to a God who shouldn’t have to make Himself small for us and yet cannot wait to do so! Christ’s saving work is a dead past unless we prepare, worship reverently, and integrate our faith. Do I prepare for Mass in silent prayer or doom scrolling? Do I spend the consecration in the restroom, or did I lose sleep last night anticipating receiving Holy Communion? Do I talk about our experience in prayer at the dinner table or my latest Netflix binge? Hopefully, my life in Christ is as present tense as Christ becomes present to me.

Reflection by Fr. Pachomius Meade, OSB, Dean of Students