Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
We have two very powerful readings today, and I’ll admit I’m feeling mute in response to each of them. Many thoughts, impressions, and reflections stir within me, but I’m reluctant to put too much into words today. I feel led to invite you to sit with our first reading and the Gospel and see what the Lord causes to well up within you. I invite you to make these readings intensely personal today. I offer a brief reflection only to prime the pump of your own deeper reflection.
Our texts introduce us to people on two different paths: a path to healing and a road to revelation. On which path do you find yourself today? Or perhaps you’re on a Camino to both simultaneously. You might consider that question as you pray these readings.
In the first reading from Acts, a man crippled from birth sits by the Temple, as he has always done, and waits for help. Suddenly, his life is changed forever as the Lord miraculously heals him through Peter’s ministry. The man leapt up and “went into the temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God.” This man’s healing set him on a path of gratitude, worship, celebration, and praise. Perhaps you find yourself on this path today. Are you awaiting the Lord’s healing touch? Pray in faith and deep trust, asking that the Lord’s will be done in your life and earnestly watch for his appearing. Have you received God’s healing touch? Let your response be that of the crippled man. Rush immediately to worship, adoration, share your testimony, and celebrate God’s love and mercy in your life.
In the Gospel, we encounter Cleopas and his companion on the Road to Emmaus. They experienced the revelation of God in several ways. These disciples were bewildered, confused, perhaps frightened and disillusioned. “Jesus himself drew near and walked with them . . .” What are you experiencing on your path right now? What revelation might you need? Invite Jesus to draw near and walk with you. The disciples needed Jesus to interpret the events of his life and Passion to them. Let us each ask our Lord to open our hearts and our minds to the scriptures and Church teaching so that we might know and love him more. Upon arrival at their destination, the invited Guest broke bread and shared the Eucharist with them. The text says, “he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread.” Whenever we participate in the Mass, we can know Jesus more intimately, more perfectly, in the Eucharist. Let us pray for the grace of revelation.
Each of us need healing, whether of body, mind, heart, or soul. We’ve each experienced the gift of healing in many ways, and for that we give God extravagant thanks and praise. We each journey with Jesus personally through the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and we encounter him in Word and Sacrament – all means of God’s revelation to us. Consider the path you’re on today and ask God for whatever it is you need to trust, know, and love God more.
“Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.” Amen! Alleluia!
-Elizabeth Wells