Did our hearts not burn within us?

Third Sunday of Easter Year A
26th April 2020

Gospel Luke 24: 13–35 (abridged)

Two of the disciples were on their way to Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they talked, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, “What matters are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped short; their faces downcast. Cleopas answered, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who does not know these things.” “What things?” he asked. “All about Jesus of Nazareth, who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: some women from our group went to the tomb in the early morning, and they did not find the body, they saw a vision of angels who declared he was alive.” He said, “You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?” Then starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the scriptures that were about himself. When they drew near the village they pressed him to stay with them. While they were at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us? ”They returned to Jerusalem where they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.

Duccio - Christ on the road to Emmaus (detail)

Reflection - from St Beuno’s Outreach

I come to my place of prayer and give time to entering gently into God’s presence. I then read this long but beautiful text slowly.

Perhaps I can imagine the scene, and walk with the disciples.

I try to enter into their feelings which may be, or may have been, mine – feeling aimless, lost, downcast, discouraged, disappointed, grieving …

Jesus walks with them. How am I aware of this in my life?

How have I been helped by him in the guise of a friend, a teacher…?

I join the disciples at table. I may give thanks for the gift  of the Eucharist, for companionship, for receiving strength to return to my family, my community with a new heart.