1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP - <lanie@leblanc.one>
2. -- Chuck Hilliard OP - <Chuck@PreacherExchange.com>

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5. --(Your reflection can be here!)

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Our Gospel reading is the familiar story of the two disciples journeying on the way to Emmaus.   Three things helped to open their eyes: “conversing and debating” over the events at Calvary, listening to Jesus explain the Scriptures to them, breaking bread with Jesus.   These three things can help to “open our eyes” and hearts also!

Being what used to be called “a Lone Ranger Christian”, i.e. trying to figure out faith and action by oneself, is still not a great idea!   Each of us need people who are genuinely looking for Truth to be part of our lives.   We need a strong connection to Scripture and reasonable commentaries on what they actually mean… with some room for debate and interpretation in modern times.  We definitely need community and the Eucharist!

In today’s world, Truth is masked by so many extra and hard to “see” things!  Let us all ask the Holy Spirit to guide us to discern what is authentic.  May the Holy Spirit produce the wonders in us to the glory of God as once was so very evident in the post-Resurrection disciples of Jesus’s time.  

Blessings,

Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP

Southern Dominican Laity

lanie@leblanc.one

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Jesus, the man, was subject to humanity’s rules; however, as God he was then, is now, and forever will be “God.”  God is not subject to the restraints of humanity, or to time! As “God,” Jesus is present everywhere and always. Past, present, and future. So, because of that simple fact, he will always know what we are going to do, even before we do it. But he still loves us, unconditionally; in spite of our sins.

The disciples in this Sunday’s gospel found that out. Knowing now what they found out then, helps us to determine our direction for the rest of our lives.

Jesus said, "Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"

With these things in mind, let’s take a suggestion from Fr. Jude Siciliano’s reflection for this week and ask ourselves:

·                 When I am discouraged, who gives me hope?

·                 Who are the people in the world who kindle hope in me and challenge me to persevere in my good works?

Sister Kathleen Maire, OP writes, “The Gospel tells us the beautiful story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. It makes us wonder how it was possible that these two disciples, who knew so much about Jesus and his teachings, could have walked eleven kilometers in his presence without recognizing him. They called him a stranger, a person from afar, an unknown individual. We imagine that they had seen Jesus on several occasions, perhaps even spoken with him, and had heard his words. However, it was only in the breaking of the bread around the table that their eyes were opened.

        It's interesting that they recognized him in the breaking of the bread. These two probably weren't present at the Last Supper. They had not heard Jesus say that the bread was his Body.

        It is quite possible that Jesus is walking with us and we have our eyes closed, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus.”

Conclusion:  Jesus really does love us all, unconditionally! All we need to do is be aware of that fact and live our lives accordingly. Amen.

And as always, “Blessings on your Preaching”.

Br. Chuck Hilliard, OP

(Lay Dominican)

Chuck@PreacerExchange.com

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Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week.  They are written by various guest authors.  If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster.  Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.

VOLUME II ARCHIVE

• 3rd Sunday Easter •
• 2nd Sunday Easter •
• The Triduum •
• Palm Sunday •
• 5th Sunday Lent •
• 4th Sunday Lent •

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(Southern Dominican Province USA)
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http://www.opsouth.org
(form revised 10/13/2025)