Easter Monday
Lent 2025
Opening Prayer
Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.
Scripture
Luke 24:13-35
Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
Reflection
The journey of the disciples to Emmaus teaches the profound lesson of recognising Jesus in the ordinary and unexpected moments of life. Initially, the disciples fail to recognise the Risen Lord walking with them, but their eyes are opened during the breaking of the bread. This highlights the importance of being attentive to Christ’s presence in our daily interactions, conversations, and simple acts of sharing. By cultivating a spirit of awareness and openness, we can encounter Jesus in the mundane and find deeper meaning in our everyday experiences.
Jesus’ explanation of the Scriptures to the disciples on the road to Emmaus underscores the vital role of Scripture in understanding God’s plan and recognising His presence. Their hearts burn within them as they listen, illustrating the transformative power of God’s Word. Additionally, the act of breaking bread together signifies the importance of community in the Christian journey. Engaging with Scripture and participating in communal worship and fellowship strengthens our faith and helps us to see Jesus more clearly in our lives and in the lives of others.
Contemplation
I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Thanksgiving
I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.
Fellow Pilgrims
Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love.
– Saint Therese of Lisieux
Closing Prayer
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.
Retreat’s end
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen