Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
Cleopas and his companion knew about the empty tomb and had heard the women’s claim that angels told them Jesus was alive. All the same, they hadn’t seen proof. The men of their company didn’t encounter Jesus or angels. So filled with sadness, they left Jerusalem. It is easy to understand how difficult it is to believe good news when your hopes have been dashed and your world turned upside down. Jesus himself meets them on the road, blesses and shares bread with them. Only then do they recognize him.
It is very easy to believe in bad news. We might even think we are being objective and realistic, refusing to engage in wishful thinking. But Jesus came to bring good news ; the news that through death, God brought forth eternal life; out of failure he brought forth victory; that love has banished evil and hate.
Jesus our shepherd and our teacher, when our spirits are crushed and our hearts heavy with sadness send us messengers of your good news. Teach our eyes to see the signs of your Kingdom around us. Help us hope abundantly and trust faithfully that through your Pascal journey life has triumphed.