We spend an awful lot of time in our cars these days. Whether it’s commuting to and from work, or shuttling our kids around; going to doctors’, appointments or just shopping or riding our own personal car is the preferred mode of transportation. Many people listen to music or recorded books to pass the time; a lot of people tell me it is their special prayer time. Some of my own most inspired homily ideas happen when I am driving back to Hudson And none of that is so surprising once we read today’s gospel story.

We have two apostles on their way out of Jerusalem after the crucifixion and the resurrection on the road to Emmaus. And it is when they are on the road, going from one place to another, that Jesus accompanies them. They don’t recognize Him at first, but by the time He is gone, they have not only come to recognize Him but to believe and to proclaim their faith in the Resurrection.

So often we think that the only time we can pray is when we are in church, or we have set aside a specific time or place for prayer. Those are certainly legitimate prayer times. But we are reminded today that God does not limit His presence to the expected places of prayer.

During these days of the Easter Season, we hear over and over again in our Gospel readings about the post resurrection appearances of Jesus to His followers. None of these appearances happen in traditional prayer settings. Today’s appearance happens on the road; last weeks happened in the locked upper room; and Mary meets Jesus in the garden thinking that He is the gardener who has taken her Lord away;

Jesus pops into our lives when we least expect Him. The Resurrection reminds us that God is not confined to any tomb or designated place, but that He has broken down all traditional bonds and freely come to us wherever we may find ourselves: on the roads of life, closed in upon ourselves and locked away from the world; out in open nature with only the birds for company.

This Easter Season, don’t be surprised where the Lord may appear for like the winds, the Lord blows where HE wills.