🏞 On the Road to Emmaus
Nobody tells 18-year-olds and incoming kolehiyals / kolehiyalas how confusing this stage of life is. It’s probably the cruciality of this transitional point that pressures teens—like me—into having to figure out the whole trajectory of our lives right then and there.
I’m not 18 yet, but I will be on June 3. But I’m definitely in the confusing college applications phase (I’m studying here in the Philippines), and I have no idea anymore on what university to choose. Just when I think I’m sure of one, the other has a better offer—of convenience, opportunity, familiarity amidst novelty, and vice versa—and I’m thrown back into the whirl of indecision. To make things more…whirly, my course (Psychology) isn’t limited to one school, nor a special course particular to one university, so it's not as simple as "what college specializes in your course or career."
But on that topic, today’s Gospel also speaks of that uncertainty, but perhaps in a different context. On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples were walking away from Jerusalem—a place that represented hope, familiarity, and faith. Their supposed Savior had died, and His disciples hiding or had fled. And haven’t we all felt that sometimes, that all the hope and effort we’ve poured into something had just…been for nothing? That loss leaves a hole in our being, leaving us with the question: what happens now?
As they discuss among themselves, Jesus appears to them, but “their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him.” But why? In times of sorrow, wouldn’t Jesus have wanted to show them immediately that their hope was not lost? But as the priest today explains, the nature of faith is not based on the tangible.
We see not by sight, but by faith. If our faith were to be based on what we can see and touch, our faith would be bound by human limitations.
God doesn’t work the way we do. Sometimes, I think we can forget that. We base his love on imperfect human love, then become surprised at how boundless it really is. We base possibility on what we can comprehend, and he accomplishes the impossible before our eyes. And that’s probably what Jesus rebukes when He calls them “foolish” and “slow to believe.” Almost as if He’s saying, I don’t work that way. And it’s foolish to assume that divine plans are accomplished on human terms.
As He explains the fulfillment of the Scriptures through Him, slowly, the two disciples begin to understand, and their hope returns. His mission was, in fact, accomplished, and this Mission transcended the narrow scope of a military liberator and extended to them. Although Jesus vanishes shortly after they recognize Him, He knows they have received what they needed—understanding, faith, hope, redirection, and purpose. And deep down, I think they knew that, too.
We’re all on our own “roads” ourselves. Sometimes a straight road with no end, sometimes a crossroads. Or even a road that doesn't look like a road. But like the two disciples, Jesus is there to walk with us. He is there to guide us, to protect us, or even simply listen to us vent on that way. Before rebuke, before explanation, notice how Jesus lets the disciples tell Him what weighed on them. He's not just there to rebuke or instruct, because as He is Lord and God, He is also our Friend.
I see it like being in love with someone, or being surrounded by those you love. Having that person or those people with you doesn't diminish the pain of struggle, uncertainty, or burnout. But you know that you'll be alright as long as you know they're there with you.
I hope you have people like those in your life. But even if you feel alone in your own "road," know there's Someone walking with you (and not in a creepy way), and Someone who cares about you. And if you felt alone now, perhaps take this as a reminder of God's care and love for even the least of creatures. And also, if you're confused about your own life trajectory, however old you may be--congratulations! Another chapter in your life might just be opening, even if you can't see it yet. And at the very least, we can be confused (but faithful) together <33
Anyways, this is extremely long, so I'll stop writing for now. Maybe some advice would be helpful if you've been at my crossroads before, but I'll be praying for you, and please pray for me, too. See you in the next log!
P.S. Read "Footprints in the Sand." It'll be peak, I promise.