A sermon on the Road to Emmaus, Luke 24:13-35

Fr. Mike Paraniuk
HCP columnist

I remember the worst day of my life. I entered studies for priesthood at St. Fidelis Franciscan Seminary near Pittsburgh when I was only 14 years old. I stayed there for nine years, devoting my life to become a priest and a Franciscan Friar. 

Then on Feb. 21,1974, the Father Superior (Fr. Vincent) called me into his office to say the "Discernment Committee" decided I had no vocation to priesthood or religious life. I danced with a woman at a party which they felt meant I should marry. I remember him telling me, "Go home. Get married and have kids." 

The problem was I had no home. The seminary was my only home.

My father and mother previously left Pittsburgh and moved to Batavia, Ohio due to my father's promotion at his work. He picked me up in Pittsburgh and took me to his home. I had no job, no money, no friends. At 23, I felt humiliated to be so dependent on my parents once again. But what hurt the most was all my dreams were shattered. I felt like God let me down. I felt like I let God down. 

I was downcast. What hurt me the most was God became eerily silent. I was tortured by this burning question that I wanted God to answer: "What is the purpose of my life now? What do you want me to do, God?" 

It took four years to find out.

As I look back at this moment of my life, Jesus was there the whole time. I couldn't see his presence because of the pain. Yet, I now know Jesus was rebuilding my life in the way He wanted me to be. I got a good job as an Assistant Sales Office Manager at Standex Electronics. I could afford to rent a house. I found love. I met a wonderful diocesan priest Fr. Ed Connelly who healed me of guilt when I felt like a failure. 

He would say, "God is still working on you. He'll let you know what he wants you to do. Just be open." 

For the next four years, I did something not allowed behind seminary walls. I had fun. I worked hard and played hard. Fr. Ed became Jesus for me, leading me, guiding me to where I should be for the Lord.

The day came when Jesus was calling me back for what He really wanted me to do for His Kingdom. Being out of the seminary for those years helped me to choose. 

"Do I want marriage or priesthood?" 

I chose priesthood and never looked back. I re-entered the seminary in Cincinnati. I was ordained June 13, 1981. I chose Fr. Ed to placed the stole of priestly power around my shoulders. I am soon to be a priest for 45 years. Time goes so fast. I'm glad God put me back as chaplain at Children's Hospital. This is where God wants me to be. 

I told God, "I'm retired." He said, "No you're not. You just changed jobs." Can a mother ever retire from being a mother? I don't think so. Neither can a priest. 

The disciples on the road to Emmaus were also downcast. They witnessed the Crucifixion. All their hopes that Jesus was the Messiah were crushed with every hammer stroke to His nails. Jesus walked with them though their pain and disappointment blinded them to His presence. It was only with the breaking of the bread that they could clearly see Jesus. He was with them the whole time. The breaking of bread is such a simple thing. Many times God reveals the sacred in the simple.

Why did Jesus use the breaking of bread to reveal Himself? Because Jesus uses the breaking of bread as a symbol of His Body being broken on the cross to give you the abundance of life. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10.) Jesus uses the breaking of bread to reveal a deep truth. The broken Body of Jesus opened for us such powerful divine love that Jesus can now touch you on your road where you are broken, downcast, worried, disappointed or afraid and heal you, comfort you, and lift you up when you feel like giving up. 
 
Jesus gives to all disciples a command to touch the brokenhearted just as He has touched you. “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2.) 

I am deeply touched when I see a despondent parent at Children's walking the road of pain when their child is not getting better. Then I see a caring nurse offer words of encouragement and hope. There is where I see the pierced Heart of Jesus pour forth the fire of His Love. Go and do the same. 

Happy Easter.