Are my Eyes prevented from Recognizing Jesus

Gospel Thoughts*

*Easter Season : Wednesday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 24:13-35*

*First Reading - Acts 3:1-10*

*Are my Eyes prevented from Recognizing Jesus*

*Their eyes were prevented from recognizing him*

*1) Why their Eyes were prevented from Recognising Jesus*

First of all, they had given up all the hope in the person of Jesus. 

Infact they had great hopes in Jesus, but after the death of Jesus they gave up all their hopes in Jesus 

Lack of Hope prevented their eyes from recognising Jesus 

*Lack of Courage* These two disciples were frightened about the death of Jesus and they didn't make any efforts to identify themselves with crucified Christ 

They were frightened about their life and that's is why they were moving away from Jerusalem. So that they might have thought that they may be safe 

*Lack of Faith* They were not ready to believe in what the women communicated to them. They thought it is a normal vision without anything serious. So here the lack of faith is very much seen 

*Lack of commitment* Once Jesus was crucified they thought that everything is over. So they gave up everything and they were going to their old trade in Emmaus. That is one of the reasons why they were going to Emmaus

*Going away from God* In fact through their journey they were going away from God. 

Going away from Jerusalem means going away from God. 

Our journey should be always towards Jerusalem and not away from Jerusalem

So these are the Reasons why their eyes were prevented from recognizing Jesus 

*2) When one fails to recognize Jesus, He becomes a stranger*

This is what Cleopas, one of the disciples said to Jesus 

*"Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?*

When we are not able to recognise some one he/she becomes a stranger to us 

This is also with Jesus. When we are not able to recognise Him, He becomes or remains as stranger to us 

Is my Jesus stranger to me? 

*3) What are the things that prevent my life to recognise Jesus?*

There may be variety of things in our life, which prevent us from recognising Jesus. They may be following 

My own pride

My own arrogance

My own selfish interests and attitudes 

Too much of worldliness in my life 

Lack of prayer and power of prayer 

Revengeful attitude 

Failure to forgive one another 

Self righteous attitude 

Lack of trust and unfaithfulness

*4) What are the things affecting me?*

In the above mentioned things there may be some of the things which may be affecting my life 

A serious reflection and examination of my conscience will help me to find out those things which prevent my vision from recognising Jesus 

*5) Where is the Risen Lord Walking today*

Today my Risen Lord is walking in the poor, marginalised, those who struggle to live their life, so called those people who are persecuted, exploited, pushed to the periphery, those who are misled, those who are falsely accused and targeted 

In the lives of these people the Risen Lord is walking 

Am I able to recognise the Risen Lord? 

*Think about it*

Are you a stranger to the Risen Lord in these persons??

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*