THE QUESTIONS THE RISEN LORD ASKS US
(Bright Tuesday)
On this Bright Tuesday morning I was reading today’s Gospel-passage, about the two disciples encountering the risen Lord on the road to Emmaus. And, although I have probably heard and read the passage thousands of times, throughout the years, I was struck this time by the question Jesus initially asks them: “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” (Lk 24:17) And they respond with almost a reproach, to the effect of, Haven’t you heard, about all the things which happened?! How could we not be sad? I was struck by this exchange, because nowadays, we have many sad conversations with one another, both on social media and face-to-face, because of “all the things which happened…” and continue to happen, in our 24/7 news-cycle.
And the Lord basically says to us, But here I am, in your midst, as I always told you I would be, and as it was foretold by the prophets… Why are you so slow to believe? “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!” He says. “Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” I’m reminded of the similar questions He asks Mary Magdalene that same day: ““Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (Jn 20:15)
This Tuesday morning I’m reminded that the risen Lord is here, in our midst, and He is well aware of “the things which happened.” And He is calling us to be quicker to believe, and slower to be sad, as we follow Him on the cross-carrying Way, which is leading us to new life in Him. Let me carry His good news into my conversations today, rather than seek fellowship in the sharing of bad news, seeking the living among the dead. “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord!” (Ps 117/118:17)
