3rd Sunday of Easter
19th April 2026
Lectionary Readings: Acts 2:14,22-33; Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-8,9-10,11; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
Theme: The absent-present God in the stranger
Two disciples walking on the road away from Jerusalem. Away from the traumatic experience of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, their friend. Two people discussing with each other their shattered hopes and dreams and moreover sharing their grief over a death they do not understand. Suddenly a stranger joins their walking and interacts with the two. In a first phase this third person just listens. The two disciples gladly share their experience and a connection is building. They feel free to ask, why the news of these traumatic events of the death of Jesus has not reached this stranger. All Jerusalem is talking about that, how is it possible that he has no idea? For the reader this is rather a comical twist, because as readers we already know, that this stranger walking along with the disciples is Jesus himself – the very one who experienced this death they were discussing.
Now that there is a connection between the three, Jesus, still not recognized by the disciples, takes time to listen and then by interpreting the scriptures explains how it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and then enter into his glory (cf. Lk 24:26-27). The two disciples still do not recognize who is talking to them, but they have by now formed a relationship because they invite Jesus to stay with them for the night. This offer shows a real interest in the other, in the stranger they have just met. Jesus accepts their hospitality and finally when he is breaking the bread, when the three share a meal together, the eyes of the disciples are opened, and they recognize the resurrected Jesus. Then Jesus vanishes again from their sight. But now, in looking back, both disciples remember how indeed their hearts were burning, when Jesus was walking alongside them, interpreting the scriptures.
The motif of a stranger receiving hospitality who in turn will leave a blessing is known in the Bible. God is often present in the visiting stranger as an “absent-present” God, i.e. he is not recognized by the hosts at first but only in looking back and when receiving his blessing. For example, when God visits Abraham in the disguise of three men (cf. Gen 18,1ff.) he also experiences Abraham’s hospitality first without Abraham knowing who is visiting. Abraham just offers to take the strangers in. Later, a blessing (the promise of a son) will follow and in looking back, Abraham knows that God had paid him a visit. So, the Biblical God of Israel likes to be invited in. He likes breaking bread with his people and establishing a relationship based on trust. This is often the preparation for revealing himself.
In order to experience the presence of Jesus, the two disciples had first to open up, to look away from their own grief and be aware of the stranger – the other. Obviously grieving is necessary but it should not block the view to the need of others. As soon as they opened up to the stranger, they learned something new, a fresh look at scripture. And finally, when they took action, actively inviting the stranger in and breaking bread together, Jesus granted them the gift of knowing his presence.
For Reflection and Discussion:
1. Think about somebody who needs encouragement through scripture or just by walking alongside them.
2. How have strangers blessed your life?
Bibliography: Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler (editors): The Jewish Annotated New Testament, Oxford University Press, 2011.
This week’s Sunday Liturgy Commentary was prepared by
Barbara Kauffmann, Germany, Bat Kol Alumna 2010, 2011, 2012
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