Tag: Christianity

Posted on

Jesus the Sheepfold Gate

sheep standing in front of cattle guard

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Fourth Sunday of Easter Mass Readings

iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | Google Play Music

First Reading: Acts 2:14A, 36-41
Responsorial: Psalm 23: 1-3A, 3B-6
Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:20B-25
Gospel: John 10:1-10

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050320.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! I hope this podcast finds you in good health on this Fourth Sunday of Easter. It is exciting to hear that various businesses and organizations will begin to slowly reopen. I know there are many people who are eager to get back to work. I encourage everyone to pray for that everything goes well and that there is no resurgence of the virus.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says, “I am the gate,” (John 10:9). He tells us that the only way in is through the gate – through Jesus. Now that makes sense, doesn’t it? We Christians believe that the path to salvation is through Christ Jesus.

One of the fascinating things about this time of sheltering at home is that we’ve had fewer outside distractions. Most of us can’t go the movies or concerts or out to eat or to pubs or to go see a game. But I realize of course that we aren’t all living like monks – especially with a house or flat filled with our families or roommates. Instead of this being downtime, for many of us we’ve just downshifted a bit.

But hopefully you’ve given yourself some time to think about your life – about where God is calling you. Are you where you imagined you’d be – where you thought God was calling you to be? If not, why? What kind of things have distracted you from achieving your goals?

You know, there are many times in my life – more than I’d care to admit – when I feel like I’m waking up from a dream. I look back and I’m floored by how much time slipped away. Hadn’t I told myself I was going to do this or accomplish that years ago? Where did the time go?

How many things distract us in life? Oh sure, on the extremes it could be a life of debauchery, but I think there are many “ordinary” time-suckers around us, like online gaming or social media apps. Of course, there’s television or I guess these days it’s binge-watching streamed content. Whatever it is for you, have you ever been surprised by how much time you lost to something like this?

Do any of those things – those time suckers – help you feel more alive, that is, do any of them help you feel like you’re drawing closer to God?

The idea that Jesus is the gate – the path to salvation resonates – or I hope it resonates – with all Christians. But isn’t it funny how many distractions – the busyness of our lives has maybe distracted us from being the person God made us to be – distracted us from becoming the best version of ourselves?

I think these distractions are not only obstacles, but they are actually alternative gates that we go through – either deliberately or having been tricked into. These gates offer some form of pleasure, happiness, joy, or peace. Indeed, many of us are so convinced that we are on the right path that we are stunned or frustrated because we aren’t at peace. We’re always tired or restless or filled with angst.

My brothers and sisters, those feelings which are often associated with the “midlife crisis” are a telltale sign of spiritual desolation. But it’s not too late! Christ offers us the hope of true spiritual consolation. We need to swallow our pride, confess our sins and accept Jesus Christ as our only savior! Peter tells us in the first reading from Acts that in choosing Christ, we save ourselves from a corrupt generation, (Acts 2:40).

Now this generation will not take too kindly to us turning our attention to Jesus Christ – even less if we dare talk with people about Jesus. They want us pick a side in the hedonistic political struggles of our age: social decadence or wealthy indulgence. There doesn’t seem to be any middle ground. That’s why we are told in our second reading from First Peter that we will suffer because of our faith. But that’s okay because Jesus is the way, the truth, and the light!

As Bishop Barron says, “This is the power and message of the cross, that dynamic into which we the baptized have been drawn. Redemptive suffering is what Jesus did on the cross: putting up with suffering for doing what is right.” My brothers and sisters, if Jesus was willing to suffer for you and me, couldn’t we risk a little suffering to follow him?

Homework! Having been nourished by the Word of God proclaimed and an Act of Spiritual Communion, I encourage you to reflect on the following questions.

  1. The shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. How can I discern God’s call for me? What is God leading me to do?
  2. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers. What voices call me away from Christ? What temptations do I need to run away from?
  3. I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. When do I feel most alive? What can draw me closer to God in those moments?

I think doing our homework will help us refocus our lives of discipleship as we emerge from sheltering in place. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Art for this post: CC BY 2.0. Sheep in front of a cattle grid, by SKITTZITILBY, Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sheep_in_front_of_a_cattle_grid.jpg.

References:
1. Barron, Robert. “Fourth Sunday of Easter.” Message to Deacon Rudy Villarreal, et al. May 3, 2020. E-mail.
2. Keating, Daniel. First and Second Peter, Jude. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
3. Kurz, William S. Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
4. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
5. Poecking, David. “4th Sunday in Easter – May 3, 2020.” Homiletic & Pastoral Review, May 1, 2020. Accessed May 2, 2020, https://www.hprweb.com/2020/05/homilies-for-may-2020/.
6. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. Conversion, faith, and baptism, 14, 189, 1064, 1226, 1236, 1253-55, 1427-29
2. Calling on the name of Jesus, 432, 2666
3. Jesus is Lord, 446-51, 746
4. Pope and bishops as shepherds, 553, 857, 861, 881, 896, 1558, 1561, 1568, 1574
5. Culpability for Jesus’ death, 591, 597-98 5.
6. Jesus’ self-offering, 606-9
7. Christ an example in bearing wrongs, 618, 2447
8. Jesus at God’s right hand, 659 7.
9. Prophecies of the Holy Spirit, 715
10. Christ the Shepherd and Gate, 754, 764, 2665
11. Priests as shepherds, 874, 1120, 1465, 1536, 1548-1551, 1564, 2179, 2686
12. Repentance and baptism, 1226, 1240, 1427
13. Human equality and solidarity, 1934-42 12.
14. Slavery prohibited, 2414 13.
15. Good of work, 2427-29

Fourth Sunday of Easter
Mass readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/050320.cfm
Lectionary: 49

First Reading
ACTS 2:14A, 36-41
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed:
“Let the whole house of Israel know for certain
that God has made both Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and they asked Peter and the other apostles,
“What are we to do, my brothers?”
Peter said to them,
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is made to you and to your children
and to all those far off,
whomever the Lord our God will call.”
He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them,
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
Those who accepted his message were baptized,
and about three thousand persons were added that day.

Responsorial
Psalm 23: 1-3A, 3B4, 5, 6
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. or: R. Alleluia.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. or: R. Alleluia.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side.
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. or: R. Alleluia.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. or: R. Alleluia.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. or: R. Alleluia.

Second Reading
1 PT 2:20B-25
Beloved:
If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good,
this is a grace before God.
For to this you have been called,
because Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.

When he was insulted, he returned no insult;
when he suffered, he did not threaten;
instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross,
so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness.
By his wounds you have been healed.
For you had gone astray like sheep,
but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

Alleluia verse
John 10:14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 10:1-10
Jesus said:
“Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate
but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice,
as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own,
he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger;
they will run away from him,
because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.”
Although Jesus used this figure of speech,
the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.

So Jesus said again, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came before me are thieves and robbers,
but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate.

Whoever enters through me will be saved,
and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy;
I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”

Posted on

ATC 14 Pray for the Dead?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | Google Play Music

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Of course I pray for the dead. The action is so spontaneous, so all but inevitable, that only the most compulsive theological case against it would deter me. And I hardly know how the rest of my prayers would survive if those for the dead were forbidden. At our age, the majority of those we love are dead. What sort of intercourse with God could I have if what I love best were unmentionable to him?”

Happy Easter! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thank you for joining me for All Things Catholic. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal, and together we are going to explore what it means to be Catholic. I recently saw what struck me as an odd question on a discussion board. The question was, “Why do Catholics pray for the dead?” That’s an interesting question, isn’t it? As a Catholic, I don’t’ think I have ever thought twice about it. But it’s a good question to explore.

We lost a dear friend this week. Between COVID-19 and the fact that she is in Honduras, well, she might as well be on Mars. So, thinking about her and our all the souls she helped and all the souls she encountered around the world, I’d like to take on that question today. Don’t forget to send me your questions either through the comment form on the website, or by email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org.

First, and this is important, we pray for the dead because we are grieving. We pray for the dead out of love. We pray for the dead to help our families and friends and who are suffering from the loss – and we all suffer. When Jesus heard about Lazarus’ death, he wept, John 11:39. So comforting someone who is suffering is certainly in line with what St. Paul told the Corinthians. We are part of the Body of Christ, so when one of us suffer, we all suffer, 1 Corinthians 12:26-27.

But we also pray for our friends and family that God forgive their sins and that He receive them into the light of His face. Now, we are not the only ones who pray for the dead. The Jews pray for the dead as do the Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and at least half a dozen others. In 2 Maccabees, the Jewish leader Judas Maccabeus leads his army into battle. After the battle, they find some pagan amulets under the tunics of some of their soldiers. This was a sin against the Ten Commandments, so they pray that God shows these troops mercy (2 Maccabees 12:40, 42, 44).

Why pray for someone who is dead unless we know we will see them again? Our liturgies are designed to support us through this process. Our prayers and the liturgies of the Church recognize the spiritual bonds between the living and the dead. It affirms that all the faithful will be raised again and reunited, (Rites, 6).

But we don’t just gather to commiserate. The Easter season is a clear reminder! “The Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity,” (Rites, “Order of Christian Funerals”, 1). St. Paul tells us, “If we have died with Christ, we have faith that we shall also live with him,” (Romans 6:8). So, our prayers and our liturgies offer hope and consolation to the living. (Rites, 7).

This is important because first and foremost, our liturgies are about worshipping God. We worship God and we give thanks for the blessing of the life of the person who died and everyone they touched. We celebrate the life in Christ.

One of the most beautiful parts of the various liturgies we have for the dead is something we call the final commendation. This happens after the funeral and before the body is processed to the cemetery. In the final commendation, the entire, “community acknowledges the reality of separation and commends the deceased to God,” (Rites, 6). We give thanks for our deceased who is now returning to God. That’s a beautiful image, isn’t it?

Why do Catholics pray for the dead? We pray to thank God for the gift this person was in life. We pray to help console ourselves in our grief. And we pray for the soul of our deceased that God show them mercy for any unresolved sins in their life.

Does that make sense? Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to All Things Catholic. If you have a question you’d like me to discuss, please use the comment form on the website, or send me an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org.

This episode was produced by deacon rudy’s notes. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m your host, Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join us again next time and don’t forget to check out the weekend edition where we break open the Word. He is RISEN! Alleluia! Alleluia!

References:
1. Johnson, Kevin Orlin, Ph.D. Why Do Catholics Do That? A Guide to the Teachings and Practices of the Catholic Church. New York: Ballantine Books, 1994.
2. Sheed, Frank. Theology for Beginners. Published by Beacon Publishing with permission of Servant Books, an imprint of Franciscan Media, © 1981.
3. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.
4. The Rites of the Catholic Church: the Roman Ritual Revised by Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council and Published by the Authority of Pope Paul VI. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press, 1990.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. I believe in the resurrection of the body, 988-91
2. Christ’s resurrection and ours, 992-1004
3. Dying in Christ, 1005-1019

Posted on

Hearts Afire

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Third Sunday of Easter Mass Readings

iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | TuneIn | Google Play Music

First Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
Psalm: Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042620.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter to you on this Third Sunday of Easter! Thank you for joining me on our journey of discovery! Just a reminder, in the notes section I will list the sources I used to develop my reflection. You will also find references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and a link so that you can explore these and other topics on your own. If you have any questions about this reflection or if you have a question about our faith life that you’d like me to research and address, please don’t hesitate to use the comment form on the website or send me an email to rudy@deaconrudysnotes.org. Every Wednesday, I tackle your questions in All Things Catholic, and every Sunday we break open the Word.

As usual, we are presented with scripture passages rich in content and meaning, but I’d like to share with you what I believe the Holy Spirit laid on my heart as I prepared this podcast.

In our first reading from Acts, the apostles are preaching the saving message of Jesus Christ. But in the second reading from First Peter, we find that this teaching is not some new fad. It’s old – ancient in fact. The Christian message is rooted in the foundations of the planet herself. And there seems to be some urgency in the readings from Acts and First Peter. They want us to know Jesus.

How is it that we come to know Jesus?

Well, it can’t come from outside of us. What I mean by that is that having an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ can’t be forced on us. Were Christ to be in our presence, we might not see him unless we were willing. Think about the objection of the disciples to Jesus’ preaching when they said, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked, or sick or in prison and didn’t minister to you,” (Matthew 25:37-39). Isn’t it amazing what we allow ourselves to see and not to see as we journey through life?

I would also suggest to you, although with a caveat, that we cannot come to know the risen Jesus strictly through our intellect. Don’t get me wrong, study is a wonderful way to deepen our relationship with Jesus and it is a critical part of discipleship. That’s what the study of theology is all about. But if that study is not rooted in a love for Jesus Christ – not rooted in an encounter with Jesus – then it risks being a sterile, academic endeavor. Thomas Dubay noted in his book, Fire Within, that the great spiritual experiences that come from an awareness of God do not result from reading or reasoning, (Dubay, 86). Indeed, it was intellectual hubris for a US politician to suggest that it’s only through human effort, and not God that the COVID-19 curve is flattening. <1>

Okay, so how then?

We don’t have to travel to some far distant land. We don’t have to live in a place that might seem more conducive to the spiritual life. These experiences may be helpful, but they are not essential. God has equipped us with the capability to have an encounter with the risen Lord. We do this by looking within. That’s what Teresa of Avila was trying to tell us, I think, in her descriptions about the interior castle. This doesn’t require emptying the mind and it doesn’t mean eliminating distractions. But it does mean opening ourselves up to the Holy Spirit. If we allow ourselves to open the door to our interior castles, then we have a chance to see and experience the risen Lord.

I think that’s what’s happening the Gospel from Luke today. We hear the familiar story about two demoralized disciples who left Jerusalem after the crucifixion and are now on the road to Emmaus. On their journey, they encounter a traveler and they journey together. After a while, they come to realize that the risen Jesus Christ had been with them the whole time. When did they figure it out? In the breaking of the bread. Things that they heard along the way sounded familiar and seemed to be pointing in the direction. But it wasn’t until they saw him break the bread that they realized it was Jesus who had been with them. They weren’t forced to see Jesus. They had to accept all on their own that it was Jesus.

You might be thinking, “That’s nice, deacon, but what does this have to do with me?”

We start by acknowledging that everything we have and everything we are flows from the source of life which is God Himself. We have to reject the intellectual arrogance that I am in control and that I and I alone can make things happen. What is it that sets your heart aflame? For example, do you remember the first time you ever held a baby in your arms? Maybe it was your first child or perhaps a new niece or nephew, or your friend’s baby. How did you feel? Take a second and try to connect with that feeling. How would you describe your feelings? Now substitute the words of the Gospel: were are hearts not burning!

My brothers and sisters, every time we’ve experienced love, we’ve experienced the God who is love. I want you to imagine yourself standing at your kitchen counter, for example looking out the window as you come to accept that the love you experience is God. As you imagine this scene, you slowly turn to face the beautiful but not blinding light coming from the center of your home. As Teresa of Avila describes the light radiating from the center of the interior castle, that light is Jesus Christ. Imagine yourself basking in that light.

Jesus left us His church and He empowered the Church with the sacraments to help draw us deeper into that beautifully divine light. But like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, he will not force us to accept him. We have to open ourselves to the possibility of an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ. Are you ready?

Homework! After listening to the Word of God proclaimed and making and Act of Spiritual Communion, I encourage you to reflect on the following two questions.

  1. First, were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke? How do I hear Jesus speaking to me?
  2. Second, what is it about my faith that excites me so much that I want to share it?

I think doing our homework will help us have an encounter with the risen Jesus Christ and engage in the evangelical work of discipleship. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

Notes:
<1> Governor Cuomo tells CNN that the COVID-19 curve is bending in New York. I realize this is one tiny quote out of larger interview, but it certainly makes a statement. “Our behavior has stopped the spread of the virus. God did not stop the spread of the virus. And what we do, how we act, will dictate how that virus spreads.” To watch the interview, see Gov. Andrew Cuomo: We have a constitution, not a king. For another take on his remarks, see Bishop Barron on Governor Cuomo and the Nature of God.

References:
1. Dubay, Thomas. Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel—On Prayer. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 1989.
2. Gadenz, Pablo T. The Gospel of Luke. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2018.
3. Keating, Daniel. First and Second Peter, Jude. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2011.
4. Kurz, William S. Acts of the Apostles. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2013.
5. Lectio Divina Of The Gospels. Washington, D.C.: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2019.
6. The Bible: A Study Bible freshly translated by Nicholas King. Buxhall, Suffolk UK: Kevin Mayhew, 2013.

Catechism References: Easily search the Catechism at http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
1. Christ is the key to interpreting Scripture, 102, 426-29, 601, 2763
2. Jesus reveals and fulfills Scripture, 112, 555, 572, 601, 652, 1094
3. Calling on the name of Jesus, 432, 2666
4. Jesus, the Lamb offered for our sins, 457, 604-5, 608, 615-16, 1476, 1992
5. Jesus’ signs and wonders, 547-50
6. Culpability for Jesus’ death, 591, 597-99
7. Redemption in Christ, 602
8. Jesus’ body preserved from corruption, 627
9. Jesus appears to Simon Peter, 641
10. The apostles and disciples as witnesses of the Resurrection, 642-44, 857, 995-96
11. Disciples demoralized by Jesus’ death, 643
12. Jesus’ risen body, 659
13. Prophecies of the Holy Spirit, 715
14. Jesus appears in the breaking of the bread, 1329
15. From the Scriptures to the Eucharist, 1346-47 16. Call to holiness, 2012-16

Third Sunday of Easter
Mass Readings http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/042620.cfm
Lectionary: 46

First Reading
ACTS 2:14, 22-33
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed:
“You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem.
Let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
You who are Israelites, hear these words.
Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God
with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs,
which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.
This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God,
you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death,
because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
For David says of him:
I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

“My brothers, one can confidently say to you
about the patriarch David that he died and was buried,
and his tomb is in our midst to this day.
But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him
that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne,
he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,
that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld
nor did his flesh see corruption.
God raised this Jesus;
of this we are all witnesses.
Exalted at the right hand of God,
he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father
and poured him forth, as you see and hear.”

Responsorial
Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
R. (11a) Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Second Reading
1 PT 1:17-21
Beloved:
If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially
according to each one’s works,
conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning,
realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,
handed on by your ancestors,
not with perishable things like silver or gold
but with the precious blood of Christ
as of a spotless unblemished lamb.

He was known before the foundation of the world
but revealed in the final time for you,
who through him believe in God
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are in God.

Alleluia
Luke 24:32
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us;
make our hearts burn while you speak to us.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Luke 24:13-35
That very day, the first day of the week,
two of Jesus’ disciples were going
to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating,
Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
He asked them,
“What are you discussing as you walk along?”
They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply,
“Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem
who does not know of the things
that have taken place there in these days?”
And he replied to them, “What sort of things?”
They said to him,
“The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene,
who was a prophet mighty in deed and word
before God and all the people,
how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over
to a sentence of death and crucified him.
But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel;
and besides all this,
it is now the third day since this took place.
Some women from our group, however, have astounded us:
they were at the tomb early in the morning
and did not find his body;
they came back and reported
that they had indeed seen a vision of angels
who announced that he was alive.
Then some of those with us went to the tomb
and found things just as the women had described,
but him they did not see.”
And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are!
How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things
and enter into his glory?”
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets,
he interpreted to them what referred to him
in all the Scriptures.
As they approached the village to which they were going,
he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
But they urged him, “Stay with us,
for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.”
So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table,
he took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, and gave it to them.
With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him,
but he vanished from their sight.
Then they said to each other,
“Were not our hearts burning within us
while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?”
So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem
where they found gathered together
the eleven and those with them who were saying,
“The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!”
Then the two recounted
what had taken place on the way
and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.