Recognizing Christ in the Eucharist – Apr 08 – Homily – Fr Joseph Michael

 

Fr Joseph Michael gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Apr 08, 2026, on the Road to Emmaus Gospel during the Easter octave, urging listeners to remember Jesus walks with them through life's trials, restoring hope as He did for the disciples, recognize Him in the Eucharist, and pray "Stay with us" to remain faithful on the journey to heaven.

In his homily, Fr. Joseph Michael reflects on the Gospel story of the two disciples walking to Emmaus, feeling sad after Jesus' death, until Jesus joins them, explains the Scriptures, and restores their hope. Just like them, we can get discouraged by life's challenges and forget Jesus is with us. He reminds us to keep our eyes on Christ and trust Him through every trial. The disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread, which points to the Holy Eucharist where we meet Him today. We need the Eucharist to strengthen us on our journey to heaven. Finally, like the disciples, we should pray, "Jesus, stay with us," and commit to staying faithful to Him, avoiding sin.

USCCB Luke 24 – Road to Emmaus Gospel – https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/24
CCC 1323 – Eucharist source summit – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1323.htm
CCC 1347 – Fraction bread rite – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1347.htm
CCC 1374 – Real presence Eucharist – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1374.htm
CCC 1817 – Christian hope virtue – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1817.htm
CCC 1391 – Eucharistic communion nourishment – http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1391.htm
Catholic Answers – Emmaus Eucharist link – https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/the-most-straight-forward-verse-about-the-eucharist-in-the-bible

00:00 - Opening Prayer and Easter Octave
00:30 - Road to Emmaus: Disciples' Despair and Jesus Joins Them
01:46 - Restored Hope Through Scripture
02:51 - Recognition in the Breaking of the Bread: The Eucharist
03:58 - "Stay with Us, Lord"
04:33 - Closing Prayer

Ave Maria!

Mass: Wednesday of Easter Week - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040826.cfm
1st: Acts 3:1-10
Resp: Psalms 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
Gsp: Luke 24:13-35

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1779

Also on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94nKqNTVcvo