Luke 24: 13-35 Road to Emmaus

Reflection Luke 24: 13-35

One of my grandfather’s died a few years ago.  One of the things I clearly remember telling my mother was that no matter what, Grandpa lived in within me, within each of my family, because he had touched us so profoundly and helped to shape who we each are.  There was a time when the hurt and grief was almost inconsolable, but it faded.  In the time that has passed we’ve been able to reflect on our relationships with my grandfather, on what he taught us, and recognize certain things or ways of doing things that remind us of him.  We also find ways to share with family and others the knowledge that Grandpa parted to us. 

In a similar way we in today’s Gospel we find the grief stricken disciples on the road away from Jerusalem going toward to Emmaus.  They are reflecting on their time with Jesus, the news that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary had brought about Jesus’ body being taken, and the angels and the Lord appearing to them.  After an investigation where they found the burial clothes just as the women had seen, and nothing more, no angles, no Lord: the Apostles left, and these men sent out to Emmaus.   

As they recount their story to their fellow traveler who had suddenly appeared at their side, they recount briefly the story of Christ Jesus as “The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people…” Note that once they called Jesus the Messiah, the Savior, but now he is merely reduced to prophet.  They do not believe as they once did.  The women astounded, shocking and surprising them with their story of the risen Lord.  It was not their experience or that of the Apostles.  They did not believe. 

Christ admonishes them. “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” Christ, the Risen Lord explains God’s revelation to them throughout human history and the prophets so that they can understand better the salvation that Christ Jesus, God’s only begotten son ransomed for them upon the Cross.  Then, in the breaking of the break, do they recognize the Messiah “and their eyes were opened”.  They began walking back to Jerusalem, to the Eleven, to bear witness to the Risen Lord.

In the first reading John and Peter come to the Beautiful Gate where a crippled man waits expectedly for something from them.  In the way that Jesus taught them, this man is healed in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazorean.  Peter commands him to arise and walk, mimicking his master who healed in like manner.  This man walks, giving witness to the power of the Risen Lord, Jesus Christ.  There is no sorrow or sin, only joy and healing in the Lord.