3rd Sunday of Easter, Cycle A
Our Lady of Grace
April 6, 2008
Focus: Heartburn and Burning Hearts
Function: To have the assembly understand the difference and be able to so something about it
Form: Then / Now
Heartburn and Burning Hearts
By (Rev. Msgr.) Nicholas P. Amato
Heartburn
Heartburn is a common ailment in our day. Pyrosis, commonly called, acid reflux, is a momentary burning pain that rises and falls within the chest cavity.
It was another kind of heartburn – a sudden burning awareness as if from within the heart – that the pair from Emmaus attributes as the sign that the stranger they met on the road was in fact Jesus.
Has your heart ever burned for a closeness with the Lord, Jesus? Have you ever longed for the peace that only Christ can give? Or the secure feeling of knowing the Lord will see you through a tragic loss or painful situation?
If so, then today’s Gospel gives us a way of understanding both how to stir up those desires for Christ in your life or if you already experience them how to have them met more effectively.
From Closed to Open
You will notice in the Gospel that the two companions on their walk to Emmaus at first consider the stranger in ignoramus. After all, who doesn’t know about the events of the week in Jerusalem, as they ask him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?”
Consequently, they completely tune him out as he explains the scriptures to them. Yet, something in his manner and in his words unnerve them. He has an unsettled challenging quality to his words that draw them into serious consideration, much as my talking to you is drawing you in a deeper consideration of the Gospel.
It is when they begin to listen, really listen and see with their hearts, that they begin to connect with him personally. By “really listening” I mean that they are letting the Sacred Scripture touch their deepest longings, satisfy their deepest desires for hope and for their future.
From Political to Spiritual
And for his part the “stranger” leads them from a political discussion into a deeper spiritual one.
Remember the tide turns when the disciples say, “But we had hoped he was the one who would redeem Israel.” In the next few moments they are lead into new specifically spiritual territory – real spiritual needs being met by real concrete answers.
No wonder they’ve got heartburn – no, excuse me – burning hearts!
And Then the Evening
But note that it isn’t until the evening that the discomfort leads to deeper awareness of Christ’s presence.
I would like to suggest that it is truly a sacramental encounter with Jesus around the supper table and how does it come about?
Basically, it comes about from (1) The quickening of their hearts in Scripture as their discuss and journey together on the road, and (2) Now in the very simple but profound gestures of taking, blessing, breaking, and giving.
Application
My sisters and brothers, think of the implications of this profound reality.
Whenever my conscience is troubled over what is the right thing to do, scripture and ritual actions provide the actual living presence of Jesus
Whenever my mind is burdened with what’s important or what could be placed second or third on my priority list, scripture and ritual actions provide the actual living presence of Jesus.
Whenever my spirit is downtrodden and I’m feeling bad about myself, or not feeling loved or accepted as I am, scripture and ritual actions provide the actual living presence of Jesus.
Conclusion
What we are preparing for in this Eucharist is a burning heart, a burning heart that will generate a presence of Christ that will be warmth and nourishment, support and affirmation.
So, please put away the Rolaids, the Tums, the Mylanta and Pepsid AC. The heartburn from this sacred time together will be welcomed relief and will come through the presence of Jesus Christ.
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