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The Road to Emmaus
Apr
6
Written by:
Sunday, April 06, 2008
3rd Sunday of Easter
April 6, 2008
Having witnessed the crucifixion of their leader, two very discouraged disciples of Jesus are travelling along the road to Emmaus when Jesus himself walks alongside them, though he remains unrecognized (Luke 24:13-35). Jesus rather coyly asks them what they have been discussing, as if he didn't know! The story is a haunting one, because it sounds so familiar to us. In fact, we are the two disciples, and Jesus appears in many ways in our lives (and especially at Mass), if we could only recognize him.
Jesus appears as the stranger among us. Since his resurrection, Jesus uses many disguises when he appears to us; often, he is hidden in the face of the person next to us. The Lord often chooses to "speak" through others. Later, when the two disciples invite the stranger to dine with them, it turns out to be Jesus in disguise. In the same way, every act of kindness toward another is actually done for Jesus: he is always hidden in the face of the needy stranger among us.
Jesus appears to us in the Scriptures. How we would like for Jesus to walk with us and explain everything as he does in this gospel! And yet, Jesus does continue to speak with us--in the scriptures. He is a friend waiting to be re-discovered every time we hear the Word proclaimed in church or read the bible at home. We often need someone to open our eyes so we can recognize Jesus there, and this is the role of the Church in our lives.
Jesus is recognized in the Breaking of Bread. The term "breaking of bread" in the early church refers to the Eucharist. Jesus, having approached these discouraged men as a stranger, having thus spoken to them in the scriptures, having later received an act of kindness from them in being asked to dinner, now "breaks bread" with them. And their eyes are opened at last! Jesus disappears from their sight. Where has he gone? Jesus has entered the bread and wine! From now on, Jesus will be hidden in the Eucharistic "bread," his body and blood. Faith opens our eyes to recognize him there, that he is still among us, especially when we "break bread" at the Sacrifice of the Mass.
Jesus sends the disciples out to bear witness to him. Now these two men, their hearts "burning," can't wait to tell the good news to the other disciples. A genuine encounter with Christ will always make us eager to share him with others. Thus we are sent forth from the Mass back into the world, reenergized!
Father Gary
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