My Dear People, 

Congratulations to all who were confirmed last week. 

The first resurrection appearance recounted by Luke occurs later that same Easter day, as two disciples are going to a village. They were among the “others” who had heard the news of the empty tomb from the women but had not believed. They see no reason to remain in Jerusalem and are thus headed, probably back home, to Emmaus about seven miles away—literally. 

As they are conversing and debating about the events in Jerusalem—undoubtedly a lively discussion—the risen Jesus appears and joins them on the journey. However, their eyes prevented them from recognizing him. The divine purpose was to reveal the risen Jesus to them gradually, through the Scriptures and the breaking of the bread. In this way, their eyes would be opened (Luke 24:31) not only in sight but also in faith, thus overcoming their lack of faith. 

When the unrecognized stranger asks them what they are discussing, their sad and downcast faces signal their disillusionment as a result of Jesus’ death. Ironically, they consider themselves to be more knowledgeable than this visitor, who seems ignorant of the things that have taken place. They proceed to tell him their understanding of what happened. Whereas the other traveler is unnamed, one of them is identified as Cleopas, who may be Luke’s source for this event and also the Clopas whose wife, Mary, stands by the cross in John’s Gospel (John 19:25). 

In their summary about Jesus of Nazareth, they first identify him as a prophet (Luke 4:24; 7:16; 39) This is correct, since Jesus is a prophet in deed and word. However, it is not the full truth of Jesus’ identity as Messiah (Luke 24:26). Second, since Jesus was crucified, their hopes that he would redeem Israel (1:68; 2:38) are lost. They thus lack proper understanding of Jesus’ mission. They fail to recognize that by his death he has accomplished a different kind of redemption, ransoming captives enslaved to sin by bringing them liberty, which is forgiveness. Third, they remain unconvinced by the report on the women. Though some of the disciples like Peter have confirmed the empty tomb, him they did not see. The two disciples lack faith that Jesus is alive, risen from the dead. 

Jesus himself (still  unrecognized) is the one who provides the authoritative interpretation of Scripture, beginning with Moses and all the prophets. 

The decisive juncture occurs when they reach their village. Captivated by the insights of the stranger who appears to be going further,  the two disciples urge him to stay as their guest. Jesus will bring them blessings because their welcoming invitation is an opening to faith. So, Jesus goes to stay with them, though he will again reverse the roles, becoming the host of the meal. Jesus sat with them at the table, took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, the same thing he did when he took the five loaves and distributed them to the people. Likewise, when Jesus took the bread at the last supper, Jesus did the same actions—took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. 

Whereas previously “their eyes were prevented from recognizing Jesus,” (24:16) now their eyes were opened. Thereupon, Jesus vanished from their sight, disappearing as quickly as he had appeared (24:15). It is an indication that after his resurrection, Jesus’ body has not returned to a normal, earthly existence but has been transformed into a glorified body, whose properties include the ability “to be present now and when he wills.” 

As at the beginning of the passage (v. 130) the two disciples find themselves alone, again conversing with each other (v. 14). However, the encounter has led them to faith, radically changing their perspective. They are no longer downcast (v. 17), and their once “slow “ hearts (v. 25) are now burning because of Jesus—the one who baptizes “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (3:16; see 12:49)—has opened to them the scriptures. 

 Yours in Christ,     

Fr. Vincent Clemente