By Father Peter Choy Wai-man
Last week, during the a youth programme to celebrate the Jubilee Year at St. Andrew’s Church, young people studying at Catholic secondary schools, universities and those who are working, shared their views on “Pilgrims of Hope”. Although different age groups have different experiences, they all pointed out the importance of companionship. How can we effectively accompany them on their pilgrimage? I would like to reflect on the experience of two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Many of today’s young people grow up with a certain sense of disappointment, frustration and disillusionment. Some of them suffer the effects of broken families and the pressures of school while others are frustrated by the way adults communicate. At the same time, some are disillusioned with the Church or community that once gave meaning to their lives. Like the disciples, many of them begin their life’s journey with a sense of despair.
It was in this time of depression and lost hope that Jesus set out on a journey with his disciples. Although they did not recognise him, Jesus showed interest in the two disciples and wanted to understand their situations. He began to journey with them without judgement, and talked with them.
To be a companion to a young person, one must spend time with them. But for some adults, spending time with young people is a waste of time, because adults often have other “important” things to deal with. They have meetings to attend; they have work to complete.
But Jesus didn’t just hear the worries of the two disciples. Towards the end of their journey, Jesus began to explain the scriptures to them. He inspired them and gave new meaning to their experience. If companions are to help young people find meaning in their experiences, they must allow them to speak and share their dreams and wishes. At the same time, they must not be afraid to witness to them the truths of faith and life. Jesus understood their pain, but he also showed them the faithfulness and love of God behind it.
When they finally reached their destination, the strangers—the companions—became friends. But Jesus didn’t just want to be seen as a friend by the two disciples. “And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognised him” [Luke 24:30].
The goal of a companion should not just be to establish a good relationship with a young person. Like Jesus, the companion’s goal is to open the eyes of the young person so that they can recognise the divine presence of God in their lives.
The journey to Emmaus becomes a journey back to Jerusalem. But this time, the two disciples returned to Jerusalem with renewed vigour and conviction. They witnessed the power of the resurrection. They burst into the room where the other disciples were and boldly proclaimed, “The Lord is risen!” Their grief and depression were no longer there. They had seen the Lord.
Just as the resurrected Christ still had nail holes in his body, the two disciples might still bear the marks of grief, depression or disillusionment; but since they had met a companion who truly cares for them, they were able to enjoy life with renewed vigour; to face life’s challenges more courageously, and to become pilgrims of hope.
