Wednesday within the Octave of Easter

Luke 24:13-35

The disciples on the road to Emmaus had lost hope. They were engaged in very negative, pessimistic talk. They were sad and depressed and disillusioned. They were encircled in darkness – feeling sorry for themselves. Jesus did not meet their expectations. Jesus joins them on the road. He joins them in their despair; he listens to their story and their confusion. And he restores them to the point that they return to Jerusalem. Jesus helped them get life back into perspective. Because of their gracious hospitality their lives were turned around; their tragedy became triumph, their despair became hope, grief was turned into joy.