It’s Easter! “Why Are You Downcast?”

It’s Easter—a time of renewal and hope. Yet, perhaps, you find yourself sitting quietly and not feeling it. Maybe it feels like everyone else is rejoicing while you’re barely hanging on.

In Why Are You Downcast? Fr. Joaquin Paniello invites readers to become silent witnesses to a remarkable dialogue between Jesus and two disciples on the road to Emmaus. This narrative offers insights into transforming sorrow into hope—a message that resonates deeply during the Easter season.​

Here are three poignant quotes from Fr. Paniello's book:

1. "Jesus has risen, but no one knows."

This opening line sets the stage for the disciples' journey from darkness to a new dawn. Despite the Resurrection, the disciples remained unaware and enveloped in sorrow and confusion over Jesus’ crucifixion. Their inability to recognize Jesus mirrors our own moments of spiritual blindness, where the presence of hope and renewal is obscured by grief and doubt. This underscores the importance of seeking and recognizing the risen Christ in our lives, especially during times of despair.

2. " Jesus dispels their doubts and calms their anguished hearts."

In this pivotal moment, Jesus engages with the disciples, addressing their uncertainties and soothing their troubled spirits. Through his words and presence, he transforms their sorrow into understanding and peace. This encounter exemplifies how the risen Christ brings clarity and comfort, guiding us from confusion to faith. It serves as a reminder that in our moments of doubt, Christ is present to guide and reassure us.

3. "Their eyes are opened to the beauty of an unexpected reality, and their sadness is turned to joy."

This transformation embodies the essence of Easter—recognizing the risen Christ and experiencing spiritual renewal. It encourages us to remain open to the unexpected ways in which God's grace manifests in our lives.