Session 2: Word of God

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Distant Voice

Dear Gravity, Domy Castellano

As we continue this journey with the disciples of Emmaus, remember: God is already looking at you with immense love — and He desires to speak with you… and to listen to you. Take a moment to slow down… to become still… and to open your heart to this beautiful mystery: a God — the Father of Jesus Christ — who, as Pope Paul VI said, takes the initiative to begin a dialogue of salvation with us.

1:28

Let us enter into the first part of the narration of the disciples of Emmaus. Pay especial attention to the dialogue between Jesus and his disciples.

Luke 24:13-27

That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognising him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

4:09

Two disciples walk home, carrying more than their own weight — the loss of Jesus, in whom they had placed their hope. Jesus takes the initiative in coming close and asks a simple question: “What are you discussing along the way?” He doesn’t explain or lecture. He listens. The risen Jesus reveals to us a God who is deeply interested in you. Does this surprise you? Do you experience God as someone who listens to your joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties… a God that wants to speak with you?

The Word of God is not just information about the divine. It tells the story of a people learning to be set free — a journey marked by trust and doubt, beauty and betrayal. All of it leads to Jesus, the Word made flesh, who walks with us toward that freedom. Do you remember a moment when being close to Him made you feel more free? Free to recognize God’s love in your life?

Jesus, the Word of God, is not a God who only talks. He starts by listening to his friends and disciples. He does not listen passively… and He doesn’t want you to listen passively either. Passive listening is for slaves, not for friends. So listen to Him as He asks you: What are you speaking about along the way? What is stirring in your heart? What do you want to tell Me? What do you see around you? Speak to Him from your heart to His.

In this passage, Cleopas tells Jesus that the women had seen angels and said He was alive — but they did not believe them. Sometimes, signs of new life are already there… but we miss them — superficiality or slowness of heart can dull our attention. Are there signs of resurrection in your life? Small things you’re not sure about… yet somehow awaken hope within you?

Jesus interprets His own mission, death and resurrection, by referring to Moses and the Prophets – because Moses liberated the people and the Prophets announced the need of a new freedom, when God had written His law in the heart of His people. Later on the disciples say that, while Jesus was explaining the Scriptures to them, their hearts were on fire. Speak to Jesus about this moment of prayer… and, if you want, ask Him to set your heart on fire.

12:15

Lord Jesus,

You have given everything to me —

Your Word, Your Presence, Your Friendship.

Now I give myself back to You,

because I desire to be available

for Your mission of compassion.

Give me only Your love and Your grace.

That’s enough for me.

Amen.