Gospel for April 23 2023 – Luke 24:13-35
Gospel Reflections for April 23 2023
Jesus really means to arrive in your life…
The Gospel describes a time after the Resurrection when Jesus appears to two disciples leaving Jerusalem who had seen His earlier crucifixion. They are deeply disillusioned about that. Their hope that Jesus would remove the hated Roman Empire also died on that cross. Imagine if you believed in a person who would end the Ukraine war, fix the economy, or stop crime …and then died!
Yet Jesus appears and walks quietly alongside them. He listens closely to their feelings and then reveals what it all means. I am especially moved when they say, “Were not our hearts burning as Jesus explained everything to us?”
However, real recognition occurs when Jesus “breaks bread” with them. That is the earliest name given to the Eucharist, which is what happens at every mass. Jesus does again what He had done earlier at the Last Supper and on Good Friday.
All the Easter Gospels verify the real physical resurrection of Jesus, and that His life provides real and concrete happiness, peace, and fulfillment. Jesus appears later to over 500 people and even eats meals with them. That is important. Ghosts do not eat real food, only a living person can. Ghosts do not have flesh and blood, only a real person does. Jesus verifies that He is real.
This week, over 100 young people received the Sacrament of Confirmation. They were wonderful events. We did not give these young people pictures of the Holy Spirit, but the real experience of God, which Jesus Himself affirms gives us real strength, real courage, and real happiness in our world today.
Your faith must be just as real and visible for it to be meaningful and effective. It is not enough to have a warm feeling about Jesus. It must be shown in your life in real and visible ways, and for others to see. How you talk, how you behave, and how you treat each other are the practical ways you show that.
Jesus is the person who can change disillusionment with the world into hope for the future. After all, in just a few generations the Roman Empire became Christian because of that real loving example of those first Christians …one person at a time. You are that person that can make a difference now …one person at a time.
Following Christ can change your world!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
“ … in just a few generations the Roman Empire became Christian because of that real loving example of those first Christians …one person at a time. You are that person that can make a difference now …one person at a time.”
Thank you for this hopeful message.
You are very welcome!
You are welcome!
Dear Father Dave,
Your reflection this morning, helped me visualize Jesus visiting His disciples.
Yes, the world needs to return to Christ’s explosion of love and His awakening truth.
The journey of life is in part …. preparation.
God bless you!
Kathleen
God’s blessings on you as well!
During a trip to the Holy Land we visited the road to Emmaus where Jesus Appeared and after traveling there in a large forty person Bus marveled at the beauty of the place. After walking around we read Luke’s Gospel and it made an indelible mark in our minds of the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
We are the Children of God and as such benefactors of His raising from the dead. Let us celebrate our Faith with renewed Enthusiasm in partaking of the Holy Eucharist we receive.
Thanks, Tom, for sharing your Holy Land memory. Going there and seeing the Gospel places always makes a great impact.
It is especially compelling that the Roman Empire converted one person at a time. At St. Rose, we will be confirmed on June 4th. I pray for us confirmands, that the fire of the Holy Spirit will put us on a trajectory to evangelize and effectuate the same change in today’s world.
Congratulations on your upcoming Confirmation! I am very happy for you. I am sure the Holy Spirit will bless well!
Thank you, Fr. Dave! God bless!!
Hello Fr. Dave, and Thank-You!
If we change our perspective, all things will change accordingly.
Yes, following what Christ did will turn someone’s life upside-down!
Thank you!