HOMILY FOR THE 3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B

HOMILY FOR THE 3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER YEAR B

HOMILY THEME: THE EMMAUS ENCOUNTER—A MODEL FOR OUR FAITH JOURNEY!

BY: FR. OBINNA EZEAPUTA

We all go through phases in life where we feel excited and optimistic about something new, like a relationship or a job. But then reality sets in, and we start to see the flaws and challenges. That’s when disenchantment kicks in, and we might feel disappointed or disillusioned.

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But the good news is that we can work through that and come out stronger on the other side. That’s re-enchantment—when we rediscover the good stuff and find a deeper appreciation for the people and things in our lives.

Our gospel reading for the Third Sunday of Easter (Luke 24:35–48) echoes this theme of enchantment, disenchantment, and re-enchantment. We see the two disciples journey from initial enthusiasm to disappointment and ultimately to a deeper understanding of Jesus and their faith.

Following Passover and the crucifixion of Jesus, Cleopas and his companion were making their way back from Jerusalem to Emmaus. As they walked away from Jerusalem, the weight of Jesus’ crucifixion bore down on them, draining their hope. They thought he would save Israel, but now he’s on the cross.

Just when they thought they’d lost their way, a stranger appeared out of nowhere on the road to Emmaus. He started talking to them and reignited their fading faith. Little did they know, this stranger was Jesus, disguising Himself so they wouldn’t recognize Him. It’s like how God often works in our lives, showing up in unexpected ways and disguising Himself as everyday people or experiences.

They thought the stranger was just another person heading home after the Passover celebrations, but then Jesus asked them, “What are you discussing as you walk along?” (Luke 24:17). His question was like an open door, inviting them to share their thoughts and struggles.

Cleopas’s eyes went wide with disbelief as he asked the stranger, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard what’s happened in the last few days?” (Luke 24:18). He had no idea that Jesus was the one who knew the truth about everything that had happened. With a hint of disappointment, Cleopas added, “We had hoped He was the one to free Israel” (Luke 24:21). The stranger began to guide them out of their disenchantment.

Jesus spoke with a gentle rebuke, “How foolish you are! So slow to believe what the prophets said! Didn’t the Messiah have to suffer to enter His glory?” (Luke 24:25-26). As He spoke, the disciples started to wake up, and their hearts began to race again. The mysterious stranger was taking them on a journey from disappointment to amazement, and they were about to discover that the truth was way bigger than they thought.

Jesus seized the moment, starting with Moses and the prophets. He told a story of redemption, revealing himself in every verse and prophecy. The anticipation was palpable as they approached Emmaus. Cleopas and his companion extend an invitation, and Jesus joins them at the table.

As Jesus breaks the bread, everything clicks into place. Their earlier disenchantment melts away as they realize that their limited vision and expectations have blinded them to the true nature of the Messiah. Now, with eyes wide open, they see Jesus for who He truly is, and re-enchantment sweeps them up in its embrace.

You know how we can sometimes be so focused on one thing that we miss other obvious things? That’s what Christopher Chabris and Daniel Simons call “inattentional blindness” in their book, “The Invisible Gorilla.”

The book’s title refers to a famous experiment where people focused on a ball-passing game failed to notice a person in a gorilla suit walking across the screen. It’s true how much we can miss when our attention is elsewhere.

The concept of “inattentional blindness” helps us understand why the disciples, including Cleopas and his friend on the road to Emmaus, couldn’t understand Jesus’ identity as the Messiah despite spending about three years with him (Luke 24:13–24). Their preconceived notions about the Messiah were based on their understanding of Old Testament prophecies (Isaiah 52:13–53:12, Psalm 110:1–7), creating a mental block that prevented them from recognizing Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:21–23).

Similarly, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we can be blind to the truth because of our own biases and assumptions. For example, we might think God only answers prayers with big, showy miracles and miss the quiet ways He’s working in our lives.

We might assume God is mad at us or has abandoned us instead of seeing them as chances to grow and learn. And we might limit God’s plan for our lives to our own small expectations instead of being open to His bigger picture. By recognizing and challenging our own biases, we can come to a deeper understanding of God’s truth and work in our lives, just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

As we continue our Easter journey, let’s remember the disciples on the road to Emmaus who were blind to the truth because of their own biases and assumptions. May we recognize our own blind spots and be open to seeing Jesus in new and unexpected ways, just like they did. May we rediscover the beauty of our faith, appreciate the good things in our lives, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who walks alongside us, revealing himself to us in every moment, even when we least expect it. Amen.

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