The cross was empty. The body was gone, and their hopes and dreams lay shattered. Their hopes turned to shutting themselves in “behind locked doors for fear of the Jews” reports John. They heard some women telling of finding the grave empty, “but they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense".
Two men, one identified as Cleopas, the other remains nameless, decided to go back home to Emmaus, about 7 miles from the city. On their way, they chatted, as friends do while walking along, and their topic was the events of Golgotha. Then Jesus joins them, That happens too during such a walk. This one asks them what they are discussing so seriously. They “stood still, their faces downcast“ is the report. They explain the events, really amazed that the new person seems to know nothing of what had just happened.
Then, we are told by St. Luke, Jesus explains the Prophets to them, and what Moses had taught, and told them Jesus had to die and then enter into glory. So Jesus really threw light on their understanding, and during the evening meal, as Jesus asks the blessing, “their eyes are opened” and they see, “Why, it’s Jesus”.
So they rush back to the city and spread the news. Jesus Himself appears to the disciples, to small groups, to Peter and John, to Thomas, to five hundred at once, to make sure they knew He was alive, “Just as he said”.
So the whisperings turns to reality, hope blossoms, and they boldly proclaim, “The one You crucified is alive”. Jesus lives.
Therefore we say it. Christ is Risen. He is risen indeed, Hallelujah. Our Easter Hope becomes our Easter certainty, and we live with the comfort and promise of eternal life in Him.
So I Pray your Easter celebration was wonderful, for Christ is alive.
GPD 3/24/08
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