Pope says Emmaus episode speaks of recovery of lost hope

(April 07, 2008) Even though the trials of life can make one feel abandoned by the Lord, an encounter with the Risen Christ can help recover the hope of faith. Pope Benedict XVI made the point on Sunday to several thousand people who gathered in St. Peter's Square to recite the midday ‘Regina Coeli’ Marian prayer with him. Commenting on Sunday’s Gospel account of the meeting of Jesus with two disciples on the road to Emmaus, the Pope said, “This drama…. is a mirror of the situation of many Christians of our time…” “Faith itself enters into crisis because of negative experiences that make us feel like we are abandoned by the Lord. But this road to Emmaus on which we travel can become a way of purification and maturation of our believing in God." The Holy Father said, “"Even today we can enter into conversation with Jesus listening to his word. Even today he breaks the bread for us and gives himself as our bread.”At the end of the “Regina Coeli” prayer, the Pope addressed the crowd in various languages, including in English. LISTEN: