Luke 24:13-35
13 Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
15 While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, 16 but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”
19 He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. 22 Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, 23 and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. 24 Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.”
25 Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! 26 Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
28 As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. 29 But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” 33 That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. 34 They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.
“The Road to Emmaus” printed in 1756 by French engraver Bernard Picart
From Doubt to Certainty
The Risen Christ has now appeared many times to the apostles and disciples in different ways, places and forms. The one common aim was to confirm their faith by uprooting any doubt that might invade their hearts or minds.
This Sunday, two of the disciples leave Jerusalem for the countryside. They seem utterly dismayed, tired and hopeless. They are conflicted and arguing.
They disagree about what the women who went to the tomb early in morning told the disciples. The women described the empty tomb and angels who asked, "Why are you looking for the Living One among the dead? He is not here; He is Risen!" Luke 24:5-6.
Cleopas, the only one mentioned by name, talks with the stranger who joined them. First, the "stranger" listened to him. Cleopas was saying that their dreams and hopes about the Messiah were in vain.
Their eyes were not able to recognize the stranger as Jesus. He had different flesh from the historical Jesus that they knew, appearing to them as the Christ of God.
During the long walk from morning till sunset, He explained the scriptures to them about the Messiah and His "sufferings to enter in His glory" (v. 26).
At sunset, as they arrived in the village, He kept walking ahead, as if He was going further. They were touched by His company and asked Him "’Remain with us for it is nearly dark,’ and He entered with them” (v. 28-29).
Hospitality required a good meal after that long day of anxiety and walking. There, Jesus Christ gave them a sign to remind them of His Person. He did this with the twelve when he showed them His wounds, with calling Mary of Magdala by her first name in the garden, and with the apostles on the Sea of Galilee when He invited them to take the breakfast that He had prepared for them. “Nobody dared ask Him ‘Who are you?’ They were sure it was the Lord" John 21:12.
This time too, Jesus gave them the ultimate sign of the last supper that He celebrated with the apostles when He invited them to "eat His Body and drink His Blood” in Luke 22:19-20. This event of the last supper was already known by the disciples.
Before His Passion, He celebrated the breaking of the bread with the apostles. After the Resurrection, He celebrated with the disciples (at Emmaus) fulfilling what He said, “…my body broken for you and for many…my blood shed for you and for many” 1 Corinthians 11: 24-25. Jesus self-sacrifice was not only for the apostles, but for all who believe in Him as their Redeemer and Savior, including us.
Now at the breaking of the bread, their eyes were opened and they recognized Him. At this point He vanished. Now they can see Him Present as the Risen Christ with their eyes of faith.
The Eucharist reveals the Resurrection, and the Resurrection renews the Eucharist.
The two disciples were entirely renewed—-no more fear, no more fatigue, no more darkness, no more sadness. They are full of enthusiasm, joy and have hearts that are burning to announce their experience with the disciples. “That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem…(v. 33).
Deep listening to Scriptures, prayers and the breaking of the bread keep our hearts burning with knowledge and love in God's presence through the Risen Christ. “Remain with us” (v. 29) Lord, for it is dark without your presence.
May we keep celebrating His resurrection as we share in the breaking of the bread.
He is Risen Indeed!