Third Sunday of Easter – Year A (2026)
Sunday, April 19, 2026
On the third day after the Cross, as the shadow of Calvary still lingers over every hope that had seemingly expired alongside their Master, two disciples take the seven-mile journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus, “conversing about all the things that had occurred.” Their hearts and strides are heavy, as sorrow and confusion take hold. Yet, as evening draws near, a sudden recognition ignites joy. The Risen Lord walks beside them, and their sorrow gives way to wonder. With today’s readings, the Church emphasizes that the Resurrection is in continuity with God’s plan as revealed in Scriptures and then proclaimed. The Gospel teaches us that the Road to Emmaus story is not merely recognition, but recognition after the Scriptures open and reorient hearts. The disciples knew and were in fact discussing the events of those days, but their minds and eyes did not discern the Messiah’s path to salvation.
In the first reading from Acts, Peter addresses a crowd in Jerusalem, insisting that what they witnessed was the fulfillment of God’s promise. He recalls David’s prophecy that God would not abandon the Messiah nor would He let His body suffer corruption. Peter states, “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses.” — Acts 2:32. Peter’s witness is our own as followers of Christ. In the second reading, Peter reminds the believers that redemption was realized, not with silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Christ as of a “spotless, unblemished lamb”. The sacrificial imagery Peter used is rooted in Israel’s worship and covenant with God. Christ’s death is the true price that breaks the captivity of sin. Peter points to the Resurrection as the completion of God’s eternal plan for salvation, not an afterthought, and through Christ, believers have faith and hope set on God: “He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.” 1 Peter 1:20-21. Today’s Gospel presents the Road to Emmaus as a beautifully unfolding narrative. In the same way that Mary Magdalene (John 20:13-16) and the seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-14) did not at first recognize Jesus, the two disciples in Emmaus fail to recognize Him when He appears to them. This pattern suggests that recognition is not merely physical; it is graced and frequently tied to faith, especially when the Lord chooses to reveal Himself. The risen Lord is truly present, yet often recognized only when hearts, and not only eyes, are opened. Jesus opened their understanding so they might understand the Scriptures: “Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” — Luke 24:26. Jesus asserts that His Passion, death, and Resurrection were not accidental or improvisations. They were a part of God’s plan of salvation.
Easter is sometimes described as a victory, true. But Luke adds another dimension: it is also an education. Jesus has Scripture opened to disciples and bread broken. The same God who raised Jesus can open our understanding, renew our hope, and turn exile into a place where faith can grow.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.