Lk 24,13-35.
The first appearance of the risen Jesus, in Luke’s gospel, happens on the road to Emmaus about seven miles west of Jerusalem. Two disciples, one of them named Cleopas, are on their way from Jerusalem to Emmaus, on Easter Sunday afternoon. Jesus, unrecognised by them, joins them. They were discussing all that had happened to him and the rumours of the empty tomb. Jesus asks them what they are talking about and why they were sad. Cleopas’ reply contains a mild rebuke of this stranger for being in Jerusalem and not knowing what had happened to Jesus of Nazareth. The two disciples had hoped he would be the one to liberate Israel from the Romans. With the death of Jesus they had given up on that illusion and were returning home to normality?
Their disappointment and sadness sets the scene for Jesus to give them a master-class on how all that happened to him, in his death and resurrection, was a fulfilment of the Old Testament Scriptures.
The time flies as they walk along listening, enthralled at Jesus’ explanation of the scriptures. Too soon, they reach Emmaus. Fascinated by this stranger’s knowledge and love of the scriptures and wanting to learn more, they invite him to stay with them for the night. During their meal together, as he takes, blesses, breaks and gives the bread to them they recognise him and he then disappears from their sight. They hasten back to Jerusalem, relishing and reliving the amazing experience they have just had, eager to share it with their fellow disciples.
The revelation happens while they are on a journey. Journeys are favourite occasions in the bible for meeting and getting to know God, e.g. Abraham, the Exodus and journeying in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. A pilgrimage or retreat can be a time to discover God for us. Moving out of our own comfort zones and routines, and doing new things, asking new questions, facing new challenges, we, too, can grow in self- knowledge and knowledge of God.
Notice how quietly and unobtrusively Jesus joins the two disciples. He wants to know what they are discussing, (arguing about), and why they are sad. He starts where they are at, respects their pre-occupations, and uses them as a launching pad for his explanation of the scriptures – a good catechetical method for evangelizing today, as well.
“Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?” (V. 32). If only our hearts burned within us as we hear, read, and meditate upon the scriptures! Pray for this gift.
The disciples didn’t recognise Jesus as he walked along with them and explained the Scriptures to them. They were pre-occupied with their own thoughts and disappointment about what had happened to Jesus. Does anything prevent you from recognising his presence in your life?
The two disciples’ openness to Jesus’ questioning and their fascination with hisS explanation of the scriptures leads them to invite him to stay with them and share a meal, during which Jesus took, blessed, broke and gave them the bread, reminding them of the Eucharist. The revelation of the risen Lord is complete. Jesus disappears from them, and they are off immediately to share the good news of their encounter with Jesus with their fellow disciples in Jerusalem. How often does the Word of God and the Eucharist confirm your faith and make you want to share it with others?
Fr Geoff O’Grady