Emmaus

   If time travel were possible when and where would you go?  I’m sure there are many places in time and history that I would like to visit.  You probably have a few favorites of your own.  It’s interesting to consider actually being there when a great event occurred.

   If I could choose any place and time to visit, the road to Emmaus on Easter Sunday would top the list.  Luke tells us of this in chapter 24, verses 14-35 of his gospel.  Each time I read of the events of that journey I wish there were a way I could walk along that road with Jesus and the two disciples.

   Imagine walking with the two as they discussed the death of Jesus and what it meant to them and to their belief that He was the Messiah.  I’m sure they were questioning their faith very seriously at that point.  Maybe they were going over again the things Jesus had said, trying to make sense of His death.  How could the Messiah be dead?!

   Suddenly another joined the walk, listening to what they had to say; questioning them about the things they were discussing.  Think of their surprise when the stranger berated them for their lack of understanding and began to explain to them every prophecy that pointed to Him and His suffering?  They must have been amazed that anyone could have such a clear understanding of all those prophesies.

   Then at supper the stranger broke the bread and they immediately recognized Him as Jesus.  Just as He had come upon them suddenly on the road, he just as suddenly left them once he had been recognized.  If there was ever a question about the truth of the Eucharist, this account should put it to rest; in the breaking of the bread, the Eucharist, Jesus was recognized.

   Thomas refused to believe unless he could see the nail marks on His hands and put his finger into His side.  When Jesus appeared to him and let him do these things He said to Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20: 29)

   You and I can’t walk the road to Emmaus with Him; we can’t see Him as the Apostle’s and many others did.  But we can recognize Him in the Eucharist and we can be assured that we are blessed when we believe even though we’ve not seen.