Easter 3rd Sunday
Acts 2:14, 22-23; 1 Pet 1:17-21; Lk 24:13-35
Theme: Three Components to Being a Good Catholic
On this Third Sunday of Easter, we’re invited to think about what it really means to be a good Catholic.
There are many Christian denominations, and each one tends to emphasize something different. Some place a strong focus on reading the Bible and looking to it for every answer. Others focus more on gathering together—singing, celebrating, and then going their separate ways. Some even say, “As long as you’re baptized, you’re saved.” And at times, people say Catholics emphasize the Eucharist more than Scripture.
So where is the balance? Today’s readings help us see it clearly.
In the Gospel, we hear about the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. They are leaving Jerusalem, feeling confused, disappointed, and even a bit hopeless after everything that has happened. As they walk, Jesus himself comes alongside them—but they don’t recognize him. This reminds us that sometimes, even when God is close, we don’t immediately see him.
As they talk, Jesus begins to explain the Scriptures to them—starting with Moses and the prophets. In other words, he helps them understand how everything that happened was part of God’s plan. Their hearts begin to burn as they listen. This shows us how powerful the Word of God is—it can awaken something deep within us, even before we fully understand.
But notice something important: even though their hearts are stirred, their eyes are still not opened.
It’s only later, when they invite him to stay and share a meal that everything changes. Jesus takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them—and suddenly they recognize him. This moment points directly to the Eucharist. It shows us that the fullness of encountering Christ doesn’t come from Scripture alone, but from the breaking of the bread.
And then comes the final step. The disciples don’t stay where they are. They immediately return to Jerusalem to share their experience with others. Their encounter with Christ naturally leads them back to the community. Faith is not something we keep to ourselves—it is something we share and live out together.
So from this one story, we see three essential parts of our faith.
First, the Scriptures—the Word of God—which help us understand who Christ is and what God is doing in our lives. Second, the Eucharist—where we truly encounter Christ and are nourished by him. Third, the Church—the community where we share our faith, support one another, and give witness.
Think of it like a three-legged stool. If one leg is missing, the whole thing becomes unstable. In the same way, if we focus only on the Bible but ignore the Eucharist, or if we receive the Eucharist but remain disconnected from the community, or if we gather as a community without being grounded in God’s Word, something is incomplete. Each one flows from the others and gives meaning to them. Each one strengthens and completes the others.
The early Christians understood this well. They listened to the Word, gathered for prayer, broke bread together, and shared their lives. There was a real balance—no part was separated from the others. They lived as witnessing communities, and because of this, the Church grew rapidly, both in depth and in numbers.
That’s the message for us today. To grow into mature faith, we need all three: the Bible, the Eucharist, and the Church.
And just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, our journey may begin in confusion, discouragement, or doubt. But if we stay open—listening to the Word, receiving Christ in the Eucharist, and staying connected to the community—our hearts will be set on fire, our eyes will be opened, and we will be moved to go out and share that faith with others.
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