Reflection: The theme of all the three readings of today is the new life in Christ. The experience of the risen Lord in the daily life invites for the continuous conversion. The evangelist Luke tells of two friends who are on the way. One of them is named Cleopas, and the other one remains anonymous (may be to remind us that, it can be you or me). They are on a path which leads through sadness, disappointment and defeat. But Jesus’ encounter and accompaniment with them transforms it into a path of hurt burning experience. The disciples failed to recognize the Risen Lord even when he was walking, talking and teaching them. It was in the breaking of the bread their eyes were opened. The Eucharistic celebration became the moment of the re-enkindling of their faith. In the self emptying love revealed in the Eucharist we recognize the Risen Lord. Thereafter the disciples go back to the community of apostles in Jerusalem. Eucharistic celebration thus also presented as the source of our communion with one another. The Eucharistic celebration opens the heart of the believers to Christ and the community. It has vertical and horrizondal dimensions. Vertically we enter into a communion with God. Horrizondally we enter into a communion with the community.
In the first reading we hear the strong exhortation of Peter to the people to repent and turn to God (Acts 3:19). A life in God means a life according to the word of God. It means a life of imitation of Christ. St John says: “Whoever says I abide in him, ought to walk just as he walked” (1 Jn 2:6). Do I recognize the Risen Lord who accompanies me on my way? Do I enter into a hurt burning communication with him?