St Luke 24: 36 – 49
While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.’ And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence.
Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And see, I am sending upon you what my Father promised; so stay here in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.’
Reflection
When times are tough, emotions can fly from one extreme to another, as events unfold and our expectations are changed – perhaps as here – from grief to joy, or vice versa.
Years ago, a colleague was critically ill. My journey to work seemed to take ages – I was scared about what I might hear. Happily, news was good, and eventually the colleague returned to health. The rest of the day was easier.
The two journeys taken by Cleopas and his companion must have contrasted greatly – the sad trudge home, transformed by an encounter with the risen Jesus, and then flying back to Jerusalem, tiredness forgotten, to share their news with the other disciples. Can you imagine the chatter as everyone shared their experiences?
Then, suddenly, Jesus is there! Even as evidence grew that Jesus was alive, it had still seemed impossible, and the disciples were scared. Jesus moves to comfort them, offering peace, proving he was him. Doubt turns to belief, sadness to joy. He can talk! He can eat! Definitely Jesus – look at the wounds on his hand and feet!
Now at last, the disciples are ready to understand what Jesus has been trying to teach them all this time – he explains the scriptures again: how this was the way it was always going to be, and how now they would be the ones to spread the news – once they had received the Holy Spirit.
As modern-day disciples, we can find it difficult to share our faith in Jesus. This tale can still seem impossible to believe. Surely people will laugh at us, or be nasty to us, and what if we get muddled up? Jesus promised the disciples the power of the Holy Spirit – to those first disciples at Pentecost, and thereafter to all who believe, including us. In that power, we are supported to spread the good news – Jesus is alive, living in our hearts, and loves you too!
Prayer
Lord, when our faith is challenged by events, and we fear the future, help us to remember those disciples whose doubt turned to faith, and whose tears turned to joy when they encountered you again, showing them that you are alive – then and now, living in our hearts.
Excite us with your good news, helping us to share it with others.
Amen