Dear brothers and sisters,

This passage from the Gospel reading describes an event that occurred on the first day of the week after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking to a village called Emmaus, discussing recent events, including Jesus’ death and reports of His resurrection. They were joined by a stranger who they did not recognize as Jesus. The stranger engaged them in conversation and explained to them how the events of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were foretold by the Prophets. When they arrived at Emmaus, the disciples invited the stranger to stay with them, and He broke bread with them. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they recognised the stranger as Jesus. However, He disappeared from their sight. The disciples immediately returned to Jerusalem to share the news with the other disciples who were gathered there. This event is significant as it is one of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus and confirms the truth of His resurrection.

This particular passage helps us realise the necessity of having hope, faith, and a proper understanding of the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. It also gives special prominence to the importance of recognising Jesus through His teachings and in the breaking of bread, which is central to the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Let us return to the specifics of these verses. It would seem that the two disciples who were walking to Emmaus had lost hope after Jesus’ death, but the “stranger” who joined them on the road gave them a new understanding of the significance of Jesus’ life and teachings. He explained to them that the suffering and death of Jesus were part of God’s plan and that His resurrection was the fulfilment of prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures. The disciples’ hearts were stirred as they listened to Him, but as mentioned above, they did not recognise that it was Jesus who was speaking to them until he broke bread with them.

The breaking of bread was a significant moment in the story as it indicated our Lord’s presence with the disciples and their recognition of Him. This moment transformed the disciples from being downcast and hopeless to being filled with joy and hope. It also reminds us of the importance of the Holy Eucharist, which is a sacrament that helps bring believers together in communion.

Our reading teaches us that Jesus is present with us even when we may not realise it. It reminds us to have faith and to trust in God’s plan, even in times of hardship and despair. It also highlights the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ and the importance of recognising Him in the Holy Mass.

May God bless you,
Fr. Charles