April 8, 2026 // Wednesday in the Octave of Easter
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Reflect on the Word //
I stood on a low stone wall and delighted over the view. A few dozen pairs of women were walking the grounds of the convent where we were hosting a women’s half-day retreat. They were taking an Emmaus walk.
We’d spent the afternoon opening our hearts to the Father’s love as revealed in Jesus and now He “drew near and walked with them” (Luke 23:17).
The disciples who walked with Jesus on the road to Emmaus are not really very different from us. Like them, we have questions, fears, dashed hopes. Things rarely work out the way we imagine, even for those trying to discern and do God’s will. So when we’re left holding the broken pieces of our plans and hearts, we too can become downcast.
In moments like these, we can take a simple spiritual lesson from the Gospel: Go for a walk. Moving our bodies helps us to get out of our heads and integrate what we believe with what we feel. The fresh air, the rhythmic movement, the deep breaths will all help us to process and move through confusing or painful parts of our lives.
Perhaps this week you could take your own Emmaus walk with a friend, in person or over the phone if you need to. Like the disciples, open your hearts to one another about what has happened, what you hoped, and where to go from here. And as you walk, open your heart to Jesus. With Jesus and a friend, as you share “what sort of things” are burdening you (see Luke 23:19), our hearts, so slow to believe in His goodness and love, will slowly begin to burn again.
Relate to the Lord // Call or text a friend to take an Emmaus walk this week. Share your heart with her and the Lord.
Beth Davis is a lover of Jesus, a retired youth minister, the Director of Formation for Blessed is She. She is passionate about teaching women how to develop an intimate relationship with Jesus in prayer through writing, speaking, and mentorship. Her favorite things include being the favorite aunt to her five niece and nephews, making friends everywhere she goes, and whatever book she’s currently reading.
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