O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 

Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

 

『Jesus walks with me, but I hardly notice him.』

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Acts 3:1-10

 

Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9

Rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord.

 ＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊

  Luke 24:13-35*

 That same day, two followers of Jesus were going to Emmaus, a village seven miles from Jerusalem, and they talked about what had happened. While they were talking and arguing about what had happened, Jesus came up and walked with them, but their eyes were not able to recognize him.

 He asked, "What is it you are talking about?" The two stood still, looking sad. Then the one named Cleophas answered, "Why, it seems you are the only traveler to Jerusalem who doesn't know what has happened there these past few days."

And he asked, "What is it?" They replied, "It is about Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet, you know, mighty in word and deed before God and the people. But the chief priests and our rulers sentenced him to death. They handed him over to be crucified. We had hoped that he would redeem Israel.

 It is now the third day since all this took place. It is also true that some women of our group have disturbed us. When they went to the tomb at dawn, they did not find his body; and they came and told us that they had had a vision of angels, who said that Jesus was alive. (...) He said to them, "How dull you are, how slow of understanding! Is the message of the prophets too difficult for you to understand? Is it not written that the Christ should suffer all this, and then enter his glory?" (...)

 As they drew near the village they were heading for, Jesus made as if to go farther. But they prevailed upon him, "Stay with us, for night comes quickly. The day is now almost over." So he went in to stay with them. When they were at table, he took the bread, said a blessing, broke it, and gave each a piece.

 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; but he vanished out of their sight. And they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us when he was talking to us on the road and explaining the Scriptures?"

 They immediately set out and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and their companions gathered together. They were greeted by these words: "Yes, it is true, the Lord is risen! He has appeared to Simon!" Then the two told what had happened on the road to Emmaus, and how Jesus had made himself known, when he broke bread with them.

 

 Gospel Reflection：

True Treasure

 In the context of today's first reading, where Peter and John heal a paralytic, this anecdote is revealing:

 Thomas Aquinas once called on Pope Innocent II when the latter was counting out a large sum of money. "You see, Thomas," said the Pope, "the church can no longer say, 'Silver and gold have I none."" "True, holy father," was the reply; "neither can she now say, 'Rise and walk."" (F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, pp. 77-78)

 "What is the true treasure of the Church?" is a wrong question. The sole treasure of the Church is not a "what" but a "who": Jesus Christ. The disciples who walked to Emmaus realized it. We too must, before it gets too late and awfully dark.