He Opened the Scriptures for Them

April 1, 2023

In the words of sacred Scripture, we encounter Jesus Christ, who himself is the eternal Word of God

By Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

April 1, 2023

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is often called “teacher” or “rabbi.” As he went from place to place, Jesus taught the crowds about the reign of God. He preached the Sermon on the Mount and told parables like that of the prodigal son. He instructed his disciples privately when they were slow to understand. He was the teacher par excellence — the one who is the Word that he preached and taught.

We may think that Jesus’ preaching and teaching came to an abrupt halt after his death and resurrection, but Scripture shows otherwise. Luke’s Gospel, for example, recounts two instances when the risen Lord appeared to his disciples.

As two of Jesus’ distraught disciples journeyed towards Emmaus, lamenting his death and wondering what to make of reports of his resurrection, the risen Lord joined them. They did not, as yet, recognize Jesus, but their hearts burned with love as the risen Lord “opened the Scriptures” for them (Lk 24:32) — that is to say, he showed how all Scripture points to him who is the Word made flesh, to him who suffered, died and rose again for the world’s salvation. As Jesus spoke, the disciples’ faith and courage were stirred into flame. When the risen Lord sat at table with them, they finally recognized him “in the breaking of the bread” (24:35) — that is, the Eucharist.

The two disciples hastened back to Jerusalem with this news to tell the apostles. As they were speaking, the risen Lord suddenly stood in their midst. Thinking he was a ghost, the apostles were startled and frightened, but Jesus showed them his wounds and ate and drank with them. Then, as Luke’s Gospel recounts, Jesus “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (24:45) — showing how everything written in Scripture pointed to him as the Messiah.

What are we to make of the assertion that he “opened the Scriptures” for them? It surely means more than literally unrolling a scroll on which the Scriptures were written. It also means more than giving them an exegetical explanation, book by book and verse by verse. Does this phrase not mean that in the presence of Christ the Scriptures come alive? Indeed, the voice of Jesus speaks to us on every page of Scripture — even obscure passages of the Old Testament or the longest sentences in the letters of St. Paul.

The Church encourages all to read, study and pray over the sacred Scriptures. Not everyone can be a Scripture scholar, but each of us can learn to read the Bible prayerfully, and to listen to the Lord speaking. St. Jerome famously said that “ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Conversely, as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, and do so with a heart that is pure, thankful and receptive, we will encounter Christ. Then, filled with joy, we will recognize Jesus “in the breaking of the bread.”

The voice of Jesus speaks to us on every page of Scripture — even obscure passages of the Old Testament or the longest sentences in the letters of St. Paul.

Father Michael McGivney, who preached the Word of God and who followed Christ so closely, would want us, his Knights and families, to allow Jesus to open our minds and hearts to the Scriptures. As we encounter Christ in Scripture, we will see him give form and substance to the principles of charity, unity and fraternity that are at the heart of the Order and lead us to celebrate the Eucharist with ever greater joy and devotion.

As we enter upon the joy of Easter, I therefore warmly recommend the practice of lectio divina, the prayerful reading of Scripture. The goal is not to see how much Scripture we can read in a sitting, but rather to take short passages, ponder them prayerfully, listen for the voice of Christ, and respond with a grateful heart. May the risen Lord open the Scriptures for you and your loved ones!

Metal bucket at draw-well in European village.

He Opened the Scriptures for Them

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