Scripture Reflection, April 19, 2026, Third Sunday of Easter

Acts of the Apostles 2:14, 22-33 1Peter 1:17-21 Luke 24:13-35

Today’s gospel is one of my very favorite passages. There are several dynamic themes at work here.

First, Jesus invites the two disciples to tell him all about what has been happening in Jerusalem. In the process, he gets right to the heart of what is going on in their minds and hearts. Then he proceeds to explain to them, in detail, why it happened and how it all relates to his earthly mission. Still, they do not realize who they are with, and how important this conversation is.

It’s not until he blesses the bread, breaks it and gives it to them to eat that they finally realize, beyond a shadow of a doubt, who he is.

Then, as they take time to reflect on what they have just experienced - they understand how incredible it is! At that point they utter my favorite words in this profound story: “Were not our hearts burning….” Yes, their hearts were burning with excitement and wonder as Jesus explained his death and resurrection to them. And yes, their hearts burned as they shared a meal with him - a Eucharist feast with the very person who established the Eucharist!

The words, the meal, the very presence of the Lord set their hearts on fire!

I find myself pausing, thinking: I wish my heart could be set ablaze with the fire of God’s divine love - a love that encompasses everything and everyone, all of God’s creation! And that brings me to another thought: What is stopping me from allowing my heart to be set ablaze with the love and the glory of God? Certainly it is not God who stops me. If I believe with my whole heart and soul that Jesus is the Lord, who came to earth to teach me how to live…how to love; the fire in my heart could equal that of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Wow! I really do love this gospel story. I think Jesus, the divine teacher is inviting me to spend some additional time with it this week. Perhaps He is sending the invitation to you as well.

by: Bill Miller