Our Journey With Jesus: From Despair to Hope, From Recognition to Witness

The message of the Third Sunday of Easter, as reflected by Rev. Fr. Pius Odediran, invites every Christian into a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence in our daily journey. It is not merely a reminder of the Resurrection, but a call to transformation, recognition, and active witness.

At the heart of this reflection lies a profound truth: we do not walk alone. Even in moments of confusion, fear, or discouragement, Christ is present—often unseen, yet powerfully active.

The Power of the Resurrection: From Death to Life

In the First Reading, Saint Peter boldly proclaims the risen Christ, emphasising the undeniable power of His Resurrection. As Scripture declares:

“God raised him up, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” (Acts 2:24)

This statement is not only about Christ—it is about us. If death could not hold Christ captive, then fear, sin, and despair should not hold Christians captive either.

Through the Resurrection, believers are moved from the kingdom of death into the kingdom of life. As Saint Paul echoes:

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above.” (Colossians 3:1)

Rev. Fr. Odediran reminds us that Christ walks with us even when we do not recognise Him. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we often fail to see His presence in our struggles, doubts, and uncertainties.

Yet the truth remains:
Christ is closest to us precisely when we feel most alone.

This raises a reflective question:
If Christ is always walking beside us, why do we so often feel abandoned?

A Call to Holiness: Living Our New Identity in Christ

In the Second Reading, Saint Peter calls believers to live lives worthy of their redemption. Christianity is not just a belief system—it is a transformed way of life.

“You were ransomed… not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18–19)

This sacrifice demands a response. If God is truly our Father, then our lives must reflect His nature.

Scripture makes it clear:

“Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16)

Rev. Fr. Odediran emphasises that those who call upon the name of the Lord must depart from iniquity. Faith is not passive—it must be visible in action. It must be expressed through:

• A life of holiness
• Good works
• Witness to the risen Christ
• The manifestation of the Holy Spirit in daily living

As Saint James reminds us:

“Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17)

This leads to another important reflection:
Are we truly living as people redeemed by Christ, or are we merely identifying as Christians without transformation?

The Emmaus Experience: The Heart of the Mass

The Gospel of the day (Luke 24:13–35) presents one of the most beautiful encounters with the risen Christ—the journey to Emmaus. This passage perfectly illustrates the structure and meaning of the Holy Mass.

Rev. Fr. Odediran highlights two key movements:

1. The Liturgy of the Word: Christ Speaks

“Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27)

Here, Christ opens the minds of the disciples through Scripture. Their hearts begin to burn within them as they listen.

“So they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’” (Luke 24:32)

This reminds us that every time the Word of God is proclaimed, Christ Himself is speaking.

Yet, a question emerges:
Do we truly listen when the Scriptures are read, or do we merely hear without understanding?

2. The Liturgy of the Eucharist: Christ Reveals Himself

“When he was at table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him.” (Luke 24:30–31)

It is in the breaking of bread that the disciples finally recognise Jesus.

This moment echoes Christ’s command:

“Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19)

The Eucharist is not just a ritual—it is a real encounter. It is where Christ makes Himself known, nourishes us, and remains with us.

Rev. Fr. Odediran teaches that Christ first opens our minds through Scripture, then opens our eyes through the Eucharist.

This leads to a powerful transformation:

• From anxiety to hope
• From despair to joy
• From silence to bold witness

Faith Is Not Passive: The Call to Share

After recognising Christ, the disciples did not remain where they were. They immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the good news.

“They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem… Then they told what had happened on the way.” (Luke 24:33,35)

This is the essence of Christian life—encounter leads to mission.

Rev. Fr. Odediran summarises it beautifully:
Do not walk alone—recognise Jesus, listen to Him, and share Him.

Faith is not meant to be hidden. It must be lived and proclaimed.

This brings another deep question:
If we have truly encountered Christ, why do we sometimes remain silent about Him?

Christ Walks With Us in Every Season

Life is filled with challenges—moments of uncertainty, pain, and struggle. Yet, the message of Easter assures us that Christ is present in all these moments.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” (Psalm 23:1,4)

Rev. Fr. Odediran reminds us that Christ walks with us in our struggles, storms, and trials. He does not abandon us; rather, He accompanies us, guiding us towards hope and renewal.

Living a Salvific and Purposeful Life

For Christ to continually walk with us, we must live a life oriented towards salvation—a life of purpose, reverence, and devotion.

This means:

• Remaining rooted in God’s Word
• Participating actively in the Eucharist
• Living in holiness
• Walking in obedience to God

As Scripture says:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Our lives must reflect Christ’s presence within us.

Recognise, Listen, and Walk With Him

The journey with Jesus is ongoing. It is not limited to the past—it is a present and continuous reality.

Christ still walks with us.
He still speaks through His Word.
He still reveals Himself in the Eucharist.

The question is:
Do we recognise Him?

As we reflect on this message, may we move:

• From blindness to recognition
• From fear to faith
• From passivity to active witness

Let us not walk alone. Let us walk with Christ, listen to Him, and share Him with the world.

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By Joseph Iyaji | https://akahinews.org
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News.
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