HOME > Prayers > Meditations > 2011 May
Vocation Meditation -
May 8, 2011
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, ‘What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?’ They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, ‘Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?’ He asked them, ‘What things?’ They replied, ‘The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.’ Then he said to them, ‘Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?’ Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
It happens often that we receive the faith from our parents or our schooling. It is true also that in many instances, we are formed without an adequate knowledge, without a minimal understanding of the mysteries that allows us to fully assent to our faith.
This is what happens to these disciples. They learned at the feet of Jesus, yet they still did not know enough to prop up their flagging faith. In the end, when their faith was challenged by the death of Christ, their lack of knowledge could not sustain them and they left the others, despondent and possibly unbelieving.
Jesus did not let them walk away so easily! He came to them and “beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.” Christ filled in the missing pieces in their understanding.
Their increased knowledge paves the way for their seeing Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
It is not enough for us to rely on the instruction we received when we were young. Faith demands that we continue to learn about what we believe so as to better believe and to know the will of God for our lives.
Vocations Challenge
“Beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.”
Do I seek knowledge and understanding – through the Scriptures and the Church – so that I may better understand my faith and live out vocation?
Lord Jesus, my lack of understanding sometimes challenges my faith and causes me to stumble. Come to me as You visited those disciples on the road to Emmaus and fill my mind with those gifts of the Holy Spirit that will allow me to live as the person You desire. Amen.
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.