A: 3rd Sun of Easter (26 Apr 2020) - ISOLATION LEADING TO JESUS (Lk 24:13–35)

Narcissism is defined as an “excessive interest in or admiration of oneself and one’s physical appearance.” It is etymologically derived from the name Narcissus, a character in Greek mythology who fell madly in love with his own reflection given by the waters of the pond, leading him eventually to commit suicide. In psycho-analysis it is defined as “self-centeredness arising from failure to distinguish the self from external objects, either in very young babies or as a feature of mental disorder” (cf. Wikipedia). Narcissism happens when one is deeply engrossed only in the cause of the self and its own world alone. Children at first have this basic tendency. But as they grow old and get into contact with other people, their world enlarges and will soon realize that there are bigger things in life other than the self, leading them to be altruistic and even heroic.

The tragic violent death of Jesus shocked Jesus’ disciples to the core. Their remorse was truly unbearable that they dwelt too much on this pain, drenched into the tears of sorrow. Two of his disciples were into this excruciating emotion when they trekked the 7-mile walk from Jerusalem to Emmaus (Lk 24:13). They still could not believe everything that just transpired, totally at a lost on the sense of the messianic promises in the Scriptures. Their long journey was nonetheless soothed by the accompanying presence of Jesus who explained to them everything (vv. 15, 25–27). Soon, they were able to realize that it was Jesus who was with them as they broke bread in Emmaus (vv. 30–31). They were so engrossed with what they experienced that they joyfully exclaimed, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” (v. 32), prompting them to return right away to Jerusalem late in that very evening in order to witness to the resurrected Jesus (vv. 33–35).

This pandemic metaphorically becomes also our own Emmaus journeys. It is a period in time when we are merely face-to-face with our own selves. A good number of us enjoy the benefit of this moment as it gives us more time for rest and leisure, to have quality time with our family members, and to appreciate the trivial things of life. However, I hope that this lockdown does not lead us only into a narcissistic view of living. For if we end up so, we actually miss the whole spiritual point behind this crisis; as a matter of fact, we become a virus ourselves, becoming infected by futile selfishness and devilish greed.

If we are fortunate that we are physically safe and healthy yet are unmoved by the thousands of daily deaths, then we fail in these trying times. If we are happy that we have learned to value our loved ones but continue to be stingy of sharing our blessings to our neighbors in need, then we cease to grow from this calamity. If we are thankful that the virus was not able to dampen our household’s spirit but manage still to patronize colonizing, abusive and marginalizing political measures against the poor, homeless, or migrant, then we are not different persons after all our worldwide sacrifices. It is because the main beneficiary continues to be the self, and its comfortable ways. However, the real score is that there is the greater world outside the confines of our homes that suffers and is in need of our assistance.

We should remember that the Emmaus journey led the two disciples, not to themselves alone, but to Jesus… to have a deep belief in him, and eventually, to proclaim his goodness to the open world represented by Jerusalem. May our long moments of confinement these days, too, make us appreciate our faith more deeply, energized to share this faith to others. In this long period of self-introspection, I pray that we will see Jesus’ lasting image rather than our own bane reflection.

- Rex Fortes, CM