The account of the disciples on the road to Emmaus is unique to Luke’s gospel. These two disciples – only one is named and we know nothing else about him – are on a journey from Jerusalem to a little-know village, Emmaus. There journey is perhaps a microcosm of our journey and the whole Christian life. The journey starts slowly, they are clearly feeling the
weight of all they have witnessed in Jerusalem in the past few days. The text tells us that they were ‘looking sad’. There is no doubt that they were doing what we often do when we feel defeated and let down, share our story with a trusted companion. Jesus’ death was great blow to them and they feel hopeless. Notice how, when Jesus joins them, the pace seems to quicken and the mood changes despite the fact that they do not even recognise Jesus. That happens to us too at times. We can get so
stuck in the desolation of our lives that when the Lord does journey with us, we too fail to recognise him. When they do recognise the Lord, notice how quickly things change. They sprint back to Jerusalem and begin a new journey.
In these days of Easter, we are being nudged to look more closely at our own lives for signs of resurrection and new life. We too are being invited to begin a new journey in which we, like the disciples, see with Easter eyes. What are the signs of resurrection around us? Perhaps we have become a little less judgemental, chosen to give someone we wrote off a second or third chance? Maybe we
are trying to live (and share) much more hopefully than we were before we began the Lenten journey. The resurrection can take on many different forms in our lives but it always prompts us to begin a new journey.
This account is also considered to map out a Christian liturgy. Liturgy should always begin where the worshippers find themselves. Our penitential rite in the liturgy asks us to be honest before God and others, naming exactly where we are just like those two disciples do on the road. They tell Jesus of their dashed hopes and disillusionment. Jesus then explains the scriptures to them. At the
liturgy we hear the Word of God proclaimed and explained to us in the homily – hopefully your minister doesn’t begin his sermon by calling you ‘fools’! Then the disciples ask Jesus to stay on. When we have heard God’s Word, we make intercession or petitions to the Lord. Then Jesus takes bread, blesses it and give it to them. We do the same, we offer bread that is taken, blessed and broken. We recognise Jesus in the Eucharist and believe that he is truly present to us in the bread and wine we
share. At the end of our liturgy we too are sent: ‘Go in peace’. Cleopas and his companion race back to Jerusalem to share what they have witnessed with great joy and enthusiasm. After our liturgy we are sent on a journey to proclaim what we have heard and witnessed. Our liturgy is supposed to inspire us and instill in us the same joy and enthusiasm. You might want to think about the effect that liturgy has on you and, if need be, find a place to celebrate the Eucharist that leaves you
truly joyful and inspired.
Looking at your life with Easter eyes: what new journey is the Lord inviting you to embark upon in these days of resurrection?
What could you do to ensure that your participation in the liturgy truly leaves you feeling joyful and inspired?
