EASTER - Part Three

That very day, the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ disciples were going to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus, and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. Lk 24:13-35

Each time I read this gospel, my heart is replenished with new hope and joyful peace. It is meant for the good of everyone, but I think it speaks in a special way to the heart of a priest. Two of Jesus' disciples and friends, are on the road, leaving Jerusalem with hearts broken and hope shattered, having witnessed passion and death of Jesus. It is all over, finished, ... we had hoped but ... he is gone.

Jesus approaches and joins their journey. If ever one wondered about a divine sense of humor, just look at Jesus' playful smile and tender affection in his voice as he plays the part of one not knowing. 

(So my friends) ... “What are you discussing as you walk along?”

(Cleopus)  “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know of the things that have taken place there in these days?” 

(Jesus in a voice of pretend curiosity) "What sort of things?" (Were we walking behind, would Jesus not look back at us and wink?)

(Now both are speaking, one reporting while the other adds a commentary of mournful sighs) “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over to a sentence of death and crucified him."
 

(Now reverting to voices of reporters in a tone of bewilderment) But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel; and besides all this, it is now the third day since this took place. (Jesus raises his eyebrows, while hiding his smile, as they continue) Some women from our group, however, have astounded us: they were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his Body; they came back and reported that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who announced that he was alive. (Jesus draws his head back, his eyes widen). Then some of those with us went to the tomb and found things just as the women had described, but him they did not see.”

 (Jesus steps forward, turns to face them, and halts their progress) How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 
(They look at Jesus with wrapped attention) Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures.

As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. (They could not even imagine what they are about to experience next)

And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight. (Their hearts now fill with a rainbow of joy filled emotion.) “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?” 

So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem where they found gathered together the Eleven and those with them who were saying,

“The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!” Then the two recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them IN THE BREAKING OF BREAD.

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One can easily see in this beautiful story, the Eucharist prefigured. 

• Jesus gathering us around him at table. (Table of Word & Table of Eucharist)
• The Spirit teaching us through the scriptures (Liturgy of the Word)
• Jesus true presence recognized in the breaking of bread. (Liturgy of the Eucharist)
• The faithful, nourished and renewed, in Communion with the Body of Christ, going out to announce Jesus Risen, (Our mission to Evangelize) 

Often we find ourselves in a similar state of mind as these two disciples, struggling with the effects of the crosses we are facing. As darkness overtakes our hope, we may start down the road of discouragement, withdrawing from the devotions that brought us close to the Lord. These are the times when we need the Eucharist most. 

• Be faithful to Sunday Eucharist.
• Attend a weekday Mass when possible.
• Ask Cleopus and his company to walk and pray with you.
• Be attentive to the voices of the Liturgy.
• Be expectant, the Lord will draw near.