SCRIPTURE:

Read the Scripture several times until you feel “at home” with the passage.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.”

—Luke 24:13-34

REFLECTION:

Imagine this interaction happening now and that you are an active participant on the road.

Who is on the journey with you?
What does the landscape look like?
What are some of the sights and sounds that surround you?
How would you feel about Jesus visiting your home?
What would conversation involve?
What is Jesus response to your questions?

Picture sitting and eating with Jesus. Imagine Jesus reaching for the bread, asking God’s blessing on it and then sharing the loaf with you. Can you feel the warmth, smell the sweet aroma, and taste the goodness of God?

Scripture says “their eyes were opened and they recognized him”

• Where have you recognized Jesus walking with you this past week?
• Who else has been a companion on the road and with whom you have shared and heard share life stories this past week?
• What can we offer as a prayer for those who have travelled along the road (wisdom, peace, physical & spiritual healing, thanks).