On the road to Emmaus

This week we are blessed as the liturgy presents us with our favourite resurrection gospels. Today we hear the story of the two disciples from Emmaus. (Luke 24:13-35). They had been following Jesus for some time and were full of hope that he would set Israel free. Then, Jesus is arrested, condemned and crucified. They cannot believe it. Their expectations are dashed. It is all over, they tell each other, so we might as well return to Emmaus and get on with our life. They are walking the 10 kilometers home lamenting the situation when a stranger appears in their midst and asks them why they are so sad. They tell him about the abrupt end to the mission of Jesus. Jesus himself reproaches them for not understanding the prophets who told of the suffering of the Christ. Finally they arrive at Emmaus and invite Jesus in for a meal. It is only when he blessed and broke the bread that they recognized him and they rushed back to Jerusalem to share the good news with the others. Their sadness was replaced by the joy of the resurrection. Sometimes we too can lose hope when we see so many problems in the world arround. Is it worthwhile tying to keep up what seems to be an unequal struggle? Then we remember the Pascal candle, the sign of Jesus bringing light into the darkness. We shared in the faith of those who were worshipping with us as we witnessed all that Jesus did and continues to do for us. It is the same risen Lord who comes to us in the breaking of the bread in the Eucharist. May our hearts burn within us as we receive him and hear him call us by name, as he called Mary Magdalene, to witness to his risen presence.