3rd Sunday of Easter Year A

Giving up seems to be the easiest thing to do for some people. People give up due to a number of reasons. Some do so because they lack confidence or strength. Some because of circumstances which they think are beyond their control. Some feel that the effort is just not worth it in the long run. Others feel dejected, and may even despair, thinking that all hope is gone. However, if we examine the motives of some people as to why they give up, we may begin to discover that some of the real reasons why they do so may be because they do not want to take responsibility for the situation or task, or perhaps they feel that their pride is at stake, or that their reputation is more important to them, and would rather salvage what they can instead of risking things further.

The two disciples on the way to Emmaus in today's Gospel were walking away from Jerusalem, walking away from the situation at hand. They were giving up, thinking that there was nothing left for them to cling on to. But even though they had given up on Jesus, Jesus did not give up on them. Jesus walks along with them and helps them slowly but surely to realise that there is hope. Eventually, the fire within them which at first seemed to have sizzled out started burning again. They became aware again of their mission and they responsibilities to bear witness to the Good News.

We may at some point of our lives felt abandoned due to our failings, due to the many sins we may have committed. Some of us may begin to think that we are unworthy and therefore start missing Mass. However, it is at the Mass, which we try to avoid, that we are actually healed and strengthened. It is at the Mass that Jesus speaks to us from the readings in the bible; that Jesus breaks bread and opens our eyes to his presence in the Eucharist and in all around us; that Jesus will strengthen us and send us forth to bring the good news to all. It is at the Mass that we become aware that Jesus is always there walking next to us, guiding us and giving us hope.

If some of us are feeling like giving up, like there is no hope, remember this: Jesus is there. We may not see Him, but He is there. He is there at the Mass and He is inviting all to come and be nourished and strenghtened. He wants you to come closer to Him and let Him heal you and rekindle the fire in your hearts. Do not be afraid. The hearts of the two disciples at Emmaus were set aflame with new vigour, new zeal, new enthusiasm, because they opened their hearts to Jesus. Let us too open our hearts to Jesus.