On the Feast of the Resurrection, Let us go to Emmaus and Beyond

It is Easter once again.

The good tidings and message of the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, uplifts us all.  With the defeat of evil and death, goodness and life inspire the world with new hope.

On the day of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, He came across two men walking from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus, and discussing the recent occurrences.  As Jesus approached them, they did not recognize Him.

The Lord asked what they were referring to and why they seemed sad.  One of the men, Cleopas, said “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”  When Jesus asked “What things?” they told the story of Jesus of Nazareth, the prophet who has condemned to death and crucified by the chief priests and rulers.  The men had hoped that He would be the redeemer of Israel. They continued, “Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened.  Moreover, some women of our company amazed us.  They were at the tomb early morning and did not find His body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive.  Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but Him they did not see.”

Jesus replied “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”  He began to explain all the Scriptures, beginning with Moses, that foretold of what would happen to Him.  As they reached Emmaus, they asked Him to stay the night with them given that it was getting late.  At the table, He took bread, blessed it, and offered it to them.  Their eyes opened, they recognized Him, and He disappeared.  They immediately returned to Jerusalem where they found the disciples and said, “The Lord is risen indeed!”  And they told of how Jesus had been revealed to them and of the breaking of bread.  (Luke 24:18-35)