April 26, 2020

Post date: Apr 27, 2020 4:35:54 PM

April 26, 2020 Homily by Fr. Karl Schray

There is a painting by Rembrandt of Jesus sitting at table

between two disciples. The painting tries to capture the joy on the faces

of these two when they recognize Jesus.

A guide was showing it to some visitors to the museum where it was

on display. He began by telling them the story behind the painting

(today’s Gospel).

In the group was a couple whose only son had recently been killed

in a car accident. They were still in shock and had come to the museum

to take their minds off their sorrow for a little while. The guide told the story

in such a way that they were captivated. They told him they had heard

the story many times, but it had never moved them until now.

The guide told them he used to tell the story badly.

Then three years ago his wife died of cancer and he was heartbroken.

At first when he returned to work, he told the story more mechanically

than ever. Then one day, he said, something clicked with me

as I realized the story was not just about those two grief-stricken disciples

but about me, too. Like the two disciples, I was going down a sad and

lonely road. Even though I am a believer, unfortunately, until this moment,

Jesus had been little more than a shadowy figure who lived

only in the pages of the Gospels. But now he came alive for me.

I felt his presence at my side, the presence of a friend

who knew all about human suffering.

The guide said, ‘It was as if at that moment, my eyes were opened,

and I saw things differently. My heart began to burn within me—

a healing process was at work inside me. Even though at times

I am still fragile; I have begun to hope and live again.’

By this time, the couple was unable to hold back tears and they said

“Strange, but as you told the story, we too felt our hearts burn within us.”

They then told the guide of the death of their son and they chatted for a

while, and when they parted the couple thanked him for sharing his story.

Thirty years ago, I visited Emmaus. A Franciscan Friar shared 3 points

from the Gospel we just heard. First, accepting strangers,

secondly, listening to someone with a different perspective, and

thirdly, showing hospitality.

The two disciples accepted this stranger to walk with them on their journey.

Even though so downhearted they listened as he explained the Scriptures

to them in a way they had never realized. Their hearts were burning,

and they asked him to stay with them.

Then he revealed himself to them in the breaking of the bread.

What happens in Emmaus didn’t stay in Emmaus.

They hurried back to Jerusalem to tell the Apostles.

We, too, receive him in Word and Communion.

Jesus must not vanish from our sight when we walk away from the Altar.

What happens at Mass cannot stay at Mass.

Here is your take-away:

walk with people, listen to them and

you will recognize the face of Christ in them.