3RD SUNDAY OF EASTER : THE RESURRECTION AND THE ROAD TO EMMAUS...........

As we celebrate the 3rd Sunday of Easter, in our seven week Paschal Season, we hear the Gospel of Luke 24 : 13-35; the post Resurrection story of, 'The Road To Emmaus'.  Two Disciples of Jesus are briskly walking the seven miles journey from Jerusalem on the road to the village of Emmaus.  They are confounded, and in doubt and fear, after the events of the previous days, that led to Jesus' Death, and now supposed Resurrection.  They a joined by a stranger as they walk along, who doesn't seem to know anything of which they speak, yet who is able to respond to them in a way that engages their minds and hearts.  They arrive at their destination, but the stranger hasn't, and yet they are eager he stay with them overnight and not continue on his way.  He does; they have supper together; and it is in the, "breaking of the bread", that their eyes are opened, and they recognize the stranger is the Risen Jesus; who immediately disappears from their sights.  This experience of journey and discovery, re-energizes their Faith, as they excitedly go back to Jerusalem, to share their Good News with the Apostles and other Disciples.  All of us as Believers in Jesus The Christ and His Paschal Mystery, are journeying on our own Road to the Everlasting Emmaus, a journey of  Life and Faith, to the Eternal Easter of God's Kingdom.  With the Alleluias of being an Easter People, we are empowered by God's Holy Spirit to overcome our own doubts, and fears, and let our active, participating, Discipleship in the Risen Christ, wash over us and keep us on the path to the Kingdom of God.  Over the next 5 weeks you have the opportunity to keep your Discipleship and Faith in focus as your hearts and minds burn, with zeal for the power of Resurrection  over our lives.  Keep your personal and communal journey of Prayer, Worship, and Ministry, alive and progressing, for these 50 Glorious Days.....Today, "Mother's Day", in the United States is also First Holy Communion Sunday at Our Lady ofv Lourdes Parish, in Sacramento / Del Paso Heights / Rio Linda / Elverta / Robla / , as sixteen of of Religious Education students, celebrated their First Eucharist at the 10:30 am Mass.  Our May Crowning Ceremony opened the First Communion Mass.  Avery Happy Mother's Day, to all Mothers and Grandmothers; Living and Dead.  May you and your families be blessed with love...........Fr.  Troy