Easter: Day 3

Two disciples were going that first day of the week to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. They talked with each other about all of the things which had happened. While they talked and raised questions, Jesus himself came near and walked with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He said to them, “What are you talking about as you walk, and are so sad?”

One of them, Cleopas, answered, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know what happened here these days?”

He said to them, “What things?”

They said, “Things about Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned and crucified. We were hoping it was he who would redeem Israel.

It is now the third day since these things happened, and certain women of our company amazed us after going to the tomb early this morning. When they didn’t find his body, they came saying they had seen a vision of angels, who told them he was alive. Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but we didn’t see him.”

He said to them, “You are foolish, and slow of heart not to believe what the prophets spoke! Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Beginning from Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. They came near to the village where they were going, and he was prepared to continue his journey.

They urged him, “Stay with us, for the day is almost over.”

He went in to stay with them. When he sat down at the table, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave it to them. Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and then he vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Weren’t our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us along the road, and opened the Scriptures to us?” They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered with others, saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” They told what had happened along the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflection

 

Again, Jesus wasn’t recognizable at first, but this time it was in the breaking of bread that the disciples saw him for who he was. Do you sense the presence of Jesus now in the breaking of bread or communion? Have you experienced a time when the scriptures have “burned within you” as you read them? 

Prayer: Keep your word burning within me, Lord, as I sense your presence and feel your power.