Luke 24:35-48: Incredulous for Joy
Thursday, May 1, 2025
In this second week of Eastertide, we continue to find nourishment in the Easter miracle of our resurrection as we re-visit the Gospel readings for the Easter Octave. Today we accompany the Emmaus disciples who return to Jerusalem to confirm the rumors that Jesus lives, to affirm the good news that Christ walks among them. Like these faithful, we are terrified and startled by the darkness that stalks those who want to live in the light. Like these followers, we are amazed when we allow ourselves to take in the goodness of God. Like this remnant of the Spirit, we move out of our fear to amazement and incredulous joy when we open our hearts to Christ.
Suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When we are honest, we admit that life’s struggles are impossible to surmount on our own. What do the immediate followers of Christ show us?
They were terrified, thinking that they were seeing a ghost. But he said to them, “Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds?”
When we are vulnerable, we feel more intensely the soothing presence of God. What does Christ himself say to us?
They still could not believe, they were so full of joy and wonder; so he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of cooked fish, which he took and ate in their presence.”
When we are doubtful, we have the opportunity to turn to the only authentic source of consolation and healing. What do those who followed Christ two millennia ago say to us?
Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.
When we reflect with The Word, we tap the root of our faith and nurture our budding hope. What do those who believe in Christ tell us?
You are witnesses of these things.
When we listen to The Word, we allow Christ to carry us from startled fear to joyful, incredulous amazement; and we come to understand that we too, are witnesses of these wonderful things.
When we reflect on the times in our lives when Christ has made the impossible possible, we too are seized with the Spirit’s incredulous joy.
Enter the words fear or hope into the blog search bar for more reflections on moving from anxiety to joy.
When we compare other translations of these verses, we arm ourselves to be witnesses of these things.
Image from: http://www.joyfulheart.com/holy-week/appearance_of_christ_in_the_upper_room.htm
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