Flocknote

"Do I Recognize Jesus?"

The Third Sunday of Easter invites us to reflect on one of the most moving post-Resurrection stories in the Gospel: the journey to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). In this account, two disciples walk away from Jerusalem, burdened by disappointment and confusion after the crucifixion of Jesus. Though they had hoped He was the one to redeem Israel, their expectations seemed shattered. Yet it is precisely in this moment of discouragement that the risen Christ draws near.

At first, they do not recognize Him. This detail speaks deeply to our own spiritual lives. How often do we fail to see Christ walking beside us in times of doubt, grief, or uncertainty? Like the disciples, we can become so focused on our struggles that we overlook His presence. Still, Jesus does not abandon them. He listens patiently, then gently opens the Scriptures, helping them understand that suffering and glory are part of God’s saving plan.

The turning point comes at the table. When Jesus breaks the bread, their eyes are opened, and they recognize Him. This powerful moment reminds us of the Eucharist, where Christ continues to reveal Himself to us. In Word and Sacrament, we encounter the living Lord who nourishes our faith and rekindles our hope.

Transformed by this encounter, the disciples immediately return to Jerusalem. Their sorrow gives way to joy, their confusion to clarity, and their fear to courage. They become witnesses, proclaiming that the Lord is truly risen.

This Gospel challenges us to consider our own journey. Where are we walking away in discouragement? Where might Christ be trying to meet us? The story of Emmaus assures us that even when we do not recognize Him, Jesus is near, guiding, teaching, and inviting us into deeper faith.

As we continue through the Easter season, let us ask for the grace to recognize Christ in our daily lives: in Scripture, in the Eucharist, and in one another. And like the disciples, may our hearts burn within us, compelling us to share the good news of His Resurrection with the world.

-- Fr. Augustine

Friday, April 24:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel)
Saturday, April 25:
- Grief Support 10:00 a.m. (Ignatius)
- Prayer Workshop 10:00 a.m. (Church)
- Reconciliation 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. (Church)
- Holy Land Craft Sale 4:45 p.m. (Plaza)
- Vigil Mass 5:00 p.m. (Church)
Sunday, April 26: Fourth Sunday of Easter
- Mass 7:30 a.m. (Church)
- Holy Land Craft Sale 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Plaza)
- Mass 9:30 a.m. with CLW (Church)
- Tiny Treasures 9:30 a.m. (Dominic)
- Mass 11:30 a.m. (Church)
- Baptism 1:00 p.m. (Church)
Monday, April 27:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Christian Meditation 5:30 p.m. (Ignatius)
- High School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
Tuesday, April 28:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Pastoral Staff Meeting 10:30 a.m. (Pope)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 3:45 p.m. (All Rooms)
- Faith Formation (1st-5th Grade) 6:15 p.m.(All Rooms)
Wednesday, April 29:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- Faith Formation (Kindergarten-5th Grade) 4:30 p.m. (All Rooms)
- Children's Choir Rehearsal 5:15 p.m. (Church)
- Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. (Church)
- New Testament Bible Study Group 6:45 p.m. (Oscar)
- Middle School Youth Ministry 7:00 p.m. (Hall)
- OCIA Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Pope)
Thursday, April 30:
- Mass 8:30 a.m. (Chapel/Livestream)
- WINGS 9:30 a.m. Speaker: Dr. Jacky Yancy (Hall)
- Children's First Eucharist Rehearsal (Mandatory) 5:30 p.m. (Church)
- Family Rosary 7:00 p.m. (Chapel)
- Scout Troop Meeting 7:00 p.m. (Hall)