Hello, Reader!
Alleluia! Join us this Sunday at 9 AM as Rev. Matthew Buterbaugh leads us in worship.
We gather to hear one of Scripture's most beloved resurrection stories: the risen Jesus's encounter with two disciples on the road to Emmaus. In this tender and profound story, we witness Christ reveal himself to us through Scripture and in the breaking of the bread.
First Reading – Acts 2:14a, 36–41 Peter boldly declares that God has made Jesus both Lord and Messiah—the very one his listeners crucified. The crowd is cut to the heart and asks, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter urges them to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit. The promise extends to all: “for you, for your children, and for all who are far away.” The response is extraordinary: three thousand people are baptized that day.
Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19 A song of thanksgiving from one who has passed through grave danger and been delivered by God. “The cords of death entangled me; the grip of the grave came upon me. Then I called upon the Name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I pray you, save my life.’” The response is gratitude and a commitment to fulfill vows before all God’s people. The experience of deliverance is not kept private but shared and proclaimed.
Epistle – 1 Peter 1:17–23 We were redeemed not with silver or gold but with “the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.” This great cost demands an ethical response: purify your souls by obeying the truth and love one another deeply from the heart. We are born anew through the living and enduring word of God.
Gospel – Luke 24:13–35 Two disciples walk away from Jerusalem, grief-stricken and hopeless. The risen Jesus approaches them but remains unrecognized. He listens to their story, then opens the Scriptures and explains that the Messiah must suffer before entering glory. As they share a meal and Jesus breaks bread, their eyes are opened, and they recognize him. In that moment, they remember their hearts burning within them as he opened the Scriptures. They rush back to Jerusalem, transformed not by a vision but by conversation, Scripture, and a shared meal.
Sometimes we feel like the disciples on the road to Emmaus—downcast, confused, and losing hope. We are reminded that the risen Christ walks with us on our journeys, reaching out to us through Scripture and the Eucharist. Our hearts may burn within us as we recognize his presence.
Read the full readings and reflections
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Blessings, and have a great week!
