Breaking Open the Word (Youth) - 3rd Sunday of Easter
“But their eyes were kept from recognising him.”
Luke 24:16
» Readings: https://universalis.com/Asia.Singapore/20260419/mass.htmWhat’s happening
Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, confused. Everything that happened with Jesus did not turn out the way they expected. They had hoped He was the one, but now He is dead.
So they leave, trying to make sense of everything. As they walk, someone joins them. He walks with them, listens, and asks what they are talking about.
They tell Him everything. Their hopes, their disappointment, their confusion. They open up about what they are going through. But they do not realise it is Jesus.
Later, they stop for a meal. He takes the bread, blesses it, breaks it, and gives it to them.
In that moment, they recognise Him. It is Jesus. And then He is gone.
Only after that, they say, “Were not our hearts burning within us…?”
Jesus had been with them the whole time. They just did not realise it.
What it means to me
It is easy to think that if God is really present, we would know it. We expect something clear, something certain.
But this Gospel shows something different.
The disciples were walking with Jesus and talking to Him, and still did not recognise Him. Not because He was absent, but because they did not expect Him in that way.
I think we can be the same. We go through our days trying to handle school, friendships, pressure, and everything else.
And it can feel like God is not really part of it.
But maybe He is already there.
Maybe He is present in the people who listen, in moments that stay with us, or in the strength we had to get through something.
Nothing dramatic. Just a quiet and steady presence.
Today
Take a moment to look back on your past week.
What stood out to you? It could be a conversation, a moment, or something small that stayed with you.
Could that have been God, quietly present?
You do not need to be certain. Just be open.
Prayer
Jesus, sometimes I do not notice You in my life.
Help me to be more aware of Your presence, even in the small and ordinary moments.
Help me to trust that You are with me, that You see me and You hear me, even when I do not realise it. Amen.
» Art: The Road to Emmaus, Robert Zund
