"Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him." The disciples on the road to Emmaus had already heard reports about Jesus' resurrection. It was at the forefront of their minds, but in spite of this, they did not recognize Jesus when he stood right before them. Why not? Perhaps because they weren't looking for him. Maybe they didn't really believe that he was alive. Or it could be that his appearance was not the same as it had been before. Whatever the case, it's very interesting to learn that it was actually while celebrating the Eucharist that these men finally realized who was right there with them! "He was made known to them in the breaking of bread."

"Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them,'Peace be with you.'" This greeting from the resurrected Christ must have been a profound one for the disciples.They were living behind locked doors "for fear of the Jews," which really meant for fear of their own lives. They had seen what happened to Jesus and didn't want to face the same fate. Imagine the paralysis of this fear, keeping them locked inside a prison of their own making.But even the walls and the locks could not keep Jesus out! He came "although the doors were locked" and brought them a message of peace. And then their fear turned to gladness for they "rejoiced when they saw the Lord."

"Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed." The two Marys were in for a surprise. They had come, as usual, to do the ritual anointing of their dead friend's body. But on their arrival, not only was there an earthquake, there was also an angel whose "appearance was like lightning" and whose "clothing was white as snow."The brave guards were so scared they "became like dead men," but the women managed to stay on their feet and hear the words of the angel. Guess what! Jesus isn't here. He's been raised from the dead. Now go share the good news!No wonder these women were feeling a mixture of emotions!They were frightened by these incredible supernatural events, but overjoyed that Jesus was alive again.

"Peter said to him in reply, 'Though all may have their faith in you shaken, mine will never be.'" Peter thought pretty highly of his faith. On the eve of Christ's death he professed, in essence, that he was more committed to Jesus than anyone else. And yet, we know how the story turns out: when put to the test in the moment that mattered, Peter "began to curse and to swear, 'I do not know the man.'"

On this Palm Sunday, we hear many stories of betrayal. The crowds , who once hailed Jesus with "hosannas," will soon be chanting, "Let him be crucified!" Judas, who was counted among the closest companions of the Lord, turns him over to the chief priests for thirty pieces of silver. And Peter falls short in the moment of truth, and then "went out and began to weep bitterly."

"The dead man came out, tied hand and foot with burial bands, and his face was wrapped in a cloth." His heart had started to beat again, breaking the somber silence of the tomb. His lungs were breathing the air once more. The blood had begun to flow through his veins f or the first time in four days. Lazarus rose from the grave, a living paradox: literally a dead man walking. Having done nothing by his own power, he once again knew life: a new life. This resurrection at the hands of Christ was an undeniable testimony to a power even greater than death.