Challenges And Choices

Third Sunday Of Easter; Luke 24:13-35

While they were discussing these things, Jesus approached and began to walk along with them

Life is full of challenges and choices. When I took over my business, I had no clue about the number of challenges that I would face or the number of choices I’d be forced to make. In all honesty, if I knew then, what I know now, I doubt I would have entered into the business. But since I had jumped in with both feet, I had to persevere. Failure was simply not an option. (By the way, that is a quote incorrectly attributed to NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz during the Apollo 13 mission in 1970. It was actually a line from the 1995 movie “Apollo 13.” I said it sometime in the early 1980’s. Unfortunately, I still have not received one dime in royalties. Smh.) I could not run away from my responsibilities. I had a mortgage, car payments, kids to feed and a long-suffering wife to whom I had promised a better life. There could be no looking back or walking away.

In this Gospel story, we see two of Jesus’ disciples walking away from Jerusalem. Cleopas (and his unnamed, good friend) had seen enough. The arrest and death of Jesus was more than they could bear. This was not the first time disciples had walked away from Jesus. (see John 6:66)  But these two men had endured with the followers of Jesus and had remained hopeful. Jesus was clearly someone special, and so they stayed close. But with Jesus dead, there was no reason to stay, and it was time to go home. The Bible does not say if Emmaus was home for Cleopas, or if it was just the first stop on their way to their hometown. It matters not: enter the stranger.

In the first century, walking outside a city was a risky proposition, day, or night. Bandits, robbers, and bad guys would be waiting to attack passersby. (see Luke 10:25–37) People typically traveled in groups for safety. So, first, as this stranger approached, the two men would have been wary and on their guard. Once he proved to be harmless, they welcomed him as an additional member of their group for an increased margin of safety. Little did they know he would rock their souls.

Jesus revealing himself to the two in the breaking of the bread also tells us one of two things. Either there were more than just the twelve apostles present at the last supper (see Mark 14: 16-17) or the Last Supper was not the first time Jesus had shared a Eucharistic meal with his followers. How else would have these two disciples been able to recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread? I’ll leave it to theologians and people smarter than me to decide that question, but it’s interesting to think about.

Now convinced and convicted, the two men hustled back to Jerusalem to tell the apostles what they already knew: Jesus was alive. And we all know the story from here. (And in case you don’t, I have a book for you to read.)

Cleopas and his pal walked a long way with Jesus without recognizing him. It makes me reflect on the many times I have walked my road without realizing Jesus was right there with me, reassuring me, and supporting me. I can tell you many instances when, at my wits end about the business, a perfectly timed occurrence happened to give me insight, help pay a bill, or to solve a problem. I learned not to take credit for these occasions because I knew they were “God moments.” In fact, when I started crediting myself for things, that usually was when stuff started going downhill.

Even today, I have to remind myself that I am not walking alone. It starts, of course, with the Eucharist. Knowing that the presence of Jesus is quite literally within me, I am emboldened to step out and do and say things I might not otherwise willingly do. There are charities to support, causes to champion, marginalized to care for, and hungry to feed.

Life is full of challenges and choices. When I feel discouraged or uncertain, I find strength in walking alongside others and sharing my journey. Even in the most difficult or devastating times, I rely on the essential lessons of family and faith community to keep me grounded. Though the world feels heavy with unrest and tension, I choose to stay present and compassionate toward those who are suffering. By walking with one another, I can better care for my family and the world around me, while finding a clear, meaningful path fueled by shared hope found each time I receive the Eucharist.

Every Day.

© 2026 by Timothy J. Doppel

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