REFLECTION
Today’s Gospel draws our attention
to the time when Jesus will depart from
the disciples (the Ascension is two weeks away).
When Jesus is gone, the disciples
must continue the task which he has begun.
One can imagine their fear and uncertainty in
being left with such a monumental challenge.
Philip’s question, ‘Lord, how can we know
the way?’ shows their fear clearly enough.
But help is available.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
He is both the map and the destination.
Disciples are called to adopt Jesus’ life-style,
his approach to God, to others, to all creation.
In living as Jesus did, living the life of faith, the
disciples will know the truth and will have life.
This life of faith and living the way of Jesus,
God’s way in the world, will enable the disciples,
not only to continue the work of Jesus,
but to perform even greater works.

REFLECTION
This long reading from the Passion of Jesus
Much of Luke’s Gospel is taken up by the
account of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem
to the cross. In this Gospel,
the two disciples have turned their backs
on that event and are journeying away
from the salvation that was won by Jesus there.
All they can see is the confusion and
disappointment of their failed hopes and
expectations. They thought that
Jesus was the Messiah but he died
an ignoble death on the cross!
They do not even recognise
Him as he walks beside them.
They thought they knew what sort
of Messiah he was.
But Jesus does not abandon them.
He continues his instruction of the disciples
through the Scriptures and their hearts burn
within them. They continue to be open to
hearing the truth and their doubts are overcome.
They finally come to recognise that Jesus is
present with them in the breaking of the bread.

REFLECTION
This long reading from the Passion of Jesus
This week’s Gospel is one of transformation. The
fear of the disciples, locked in their upper room
and huddled in upon themselves, is transformed
by the gift of peace which Jesus brings and his
giving of the Spirit to strengthen them on their
way. The doubt of Thomas is transformed by his
encounter with the risen Lord. With this transformation,
however, comes responsibility.
Just as Jesus was sent by the Father, now, too,
the disciples are sent into the world to act as
Jesus did.