17/04/2026
Homily of Sunday, April 19, 2026 : Third Sunday of Easter Year A
Theme : He walks with you even when you are losing hope
First Reading Acts of the Apostles 2:14,22-33; Responsorial Psalm Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-11 Second Reading 1 Peter 1:17-21; Gospel Reading Luke 24:13-35
The Gospel today tells the beautiful story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus. It is a journey marked by disappointment, confusion, and lost hope. Cleopas states clearly, “Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free.” They saw Jesus die. They heard reports of the resurrection, yet they could not believe. So, they began to walk away from the community. Many of us recognise this journey. There are moments in life when hope fades, when prayers seem unanswered, when we feel like stepping away from faith, from Church, from others.
Yet, in that very moment, Jesus draws near and walks with them. They do not recognise him at first. This is important. The risen Christ is present even when we do not perceive him. He listens to their pain. He walks at their pace. Then he opens the Scriptures and begins to explain everything concerning himself. Slowly, their hearts begin to burn. The Word of God rekindles their faith. As Saint Jerome reminds us, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” When we allow the Word of God to speak to us, it transforms our discouragement into hope.
The pivotal moment occurs during the breaking of the bread. Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and distributes it to them. At that instant, their eyes are opened, and they recognise him. The Eucharist unveils what they could not see before. The risen Lord remains present in the Word and in the breaking of the bread. As Saint John Paul II taught, “The Church draws her life from the Eucharist.” In every Mass, the same Jesus walks with us, speaks to us, and reveals himself to us.
Immediately, they rise and return to Jerusalem. Their direction changes. Encounter with Christ always leads back to the community and into mission. They can no longer remain in isolation. They must share the joy. This is our call as well. When Christ meets us in our confusion, he sends us back as witnesses. We are not meant to walk alone but to journey together in faith.
This week, let us cultivate the virtues of perseverance in difficult moments, attentiveness to the Word of God, faith in the Eucharist and commitment to community life. When you feel discouraged, remember that Jesus is already walking beside you.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, stay with us on our journey. Open our eyes in the breaking of the bread. Set our hearts on fire with Your Word. Renew our hope and lead us back to communion with You and with one another. Amen.