At some point in time we all come across an “aha” moment. When surrounded by confusion and difficulty to grasp the concept being conveyed, we stare blankly at the instructor. When, one experiences a break-through one finally gets the point! The “aha” moment.
But, what about those moments when faith suddenly becomes clear? Luke illustrates it best in his Gospel, with the travellers and the stranger and that unforgettable walk to Emmaus.
But, what about those moments when faith suddenly becomes clear? Luke illustrates it best in his Gospel, with the travellers and the stranger and that unforgettable walk to Emmaus.
The Risen Christ had been appearing to His disciples fulfilling His promise that the Son of Man will rise from the dead.
Two disciples on the way to Emmaus — a little village located seven or eight miles from Jerusalem. A brief reference in the Gospel of (Mark 16:12-13), but Luke 24:13-35 gives us an account of what actually took place.
Two disciples on the way to Emmaus — a little village located seven or eight miles from Jerusalem. A brief reference in the Gospel of (Mark 16:12-13), but Luke 24:13-35 gives us an account of what actually took place.
13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emma′us, about seven miles from Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. Luke 24:13-16
From the words of Luke we imagine two disciples on a journey. They are leaving Jerusalem. Walking along, when suddenly they find a third companion, joining their conversation and doing it ever so sweetly that they do not even notice the intrusion. Jesus comes to meet them where they are.
Walking down the road they are into a deep spiritual discussion. At this point, they fail to recognize, Who it was, that was talking to them.
From the words of Luke we imagine two disciples on a journey. They are leaving Jerusalem. Walking along, when suddenly they find a third companion, joining their conversation and doing it ever so sweetly that they do not even notice the intrusion. Jesus comes to meet them where they are.
Walking down the road they are into a deep spiritual discussion. At this point, they fail to recognize, Who it was, that was talking to them.
17 And he said to them, “What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cle′opas, answered him, “Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” 19 And he said to them, “What things?” And they said to him, “Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Luke 24:17-21
25 And he said to them, “O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they constrained him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:25-29
28 So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they constrained him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent.” So he went in to stay with them. Luke 24:25-29
And what a question! Of course, Jesus knew what they were discussing and why they were sad.
When Jesus died, the hope and confidence of these two died with Him. Their words show their low spirits…
What I love about the walk to Emmaus, is that, to me, it is our walk to the celebration of the mass.
Like the two disciples, who walk together but are low in spirits, we too can be burdened in this walk of life.
Jesus joins them as a stranger and rewards their desire to understand with the Gospel plan of salvation. He explains to them the meaning of the scriptures concerning Himself. In this walk, Faith is re-explained and Grace is re-experienced.
What I love about the walk to Emmaus, is that, to me, it is our walk to the celebration of the mass.
Like the two disciples, who walk together but are low in spirits, we too can be burdened in this walk of life.
Jesus joins them as a stranger and rewards their desire to understand with the Gospel plan of salvation. He explains to them the meaning of the scriptures concerning Himself. In this walk, Faith is re-explained and Grace is re-experienced.
When we come for the celebration of the mass, we must come in remembrance of Jesus’ immense love.
When we listen to the scriptures, it must bring in us a desire to be with the Lord. They were so engrossed with talking about Jesus, that Jesus Himself wanted to walk with them. HE filled them with an understanding that was required to where He was leading them to. Our hearts must be so filled with love that the celebration of the mass, must bring to our remembrance everything the Lord has done for us.
As they are about to approach the village, the two disciples sincerely interested in all Jesus had to say, invite the Stranger to dine with them.
As they are about to approach the village, the two disciples sincerely interested in all Jesus had to say, invite the Stranger to dine with them.
Through the spoken word, He caused them to make a choice. And they urged Him, ‘Stay with us!’” Jesus accepts.
Perhaps, Jesus appeared to be going further, so that He might be called more earnestly. But always waiting to stay for that tender invitation, ‘Stay with us,’ Luke 24:29.
Passing by, He means to be stopped; He is willing to be called back.
God seeks to reveal Himself, in a subtle way, that He may be, as it were, a discovery of love.
In a moment, when your heart, skips a beat, it is that moment of truth that lights up the whole sky ushering in a new dawn.
It is love that is unexplainable! And to this start, there is no end! Love goes on!
From my heart to Yours, Stay with me, Jesus!
Passing by, He means to be stopped; He is willing to be called back.
God seeks to reveal Himself, in a subtle way, that He may be, as it were, a discovery of love.
In a moment, when your heart, skips a beat, it is that moment of truth that lights up the whole sky ushering in a new dawn.
It is love that is unexplainable! And to this start, there is no end! Love goes on!
From my heart to Yours, Stay with me, Jesus!
22 Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. 23 They were at the tomb early in the 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. 24 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.” Luke 24:22-24
The two disciples were talking about the resurrection and the testimonies of the women who went to see the tomb and found it empty.
They had the revelation of the word, from the mouth of Jesus Himself. They had evidences from the women, from some among themselves that His body was not there. The Angels said He was risen. Yet they were sad? Why do they not believe?
They had different expectations. “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things?” They walked seven miles with Jesus (as a stranger) and invite Him home.
They had different expectations. “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things?” They walked seven miles with Jesus (as a stranger) and invite Him home.
30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?” Luke 24:30-32
Once they chose Him and asked Him to stay, a miraculous thing happened.
When at table, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke It and gave It to them. He blessed It to become His body as in the consecration of the Eucharist. At this breaking of the bread the disciples recognized the Resurrected Lord. And immediately Jesus disappears from their sight, but He is still truly present in the Eucharist.
Their words: “Did not our hearts burn within us?
St. Chrysostom, ‘The Lord not only blessed the bread, but gave it with His own hand to Cleophas and his companion. But that which is given by His hand is not only sanctified, but is sanctification and the cause of sanctity to the recipient.’
In the breaking of bread the Lord is made known to us. Although we shall not see Him in bodily form, He has given us His flesh to eat.
It is in the Sacrament of the Altar that we must recognize His presence, for He must continue to walk with us in the way, and to open to us the Scriptures.
Overcome with joy, they rush ahead to Jerusalem to find the Apostles gathered in an upper room together, also filled with joy (as they too had seen the Risen Lord)!
The two men had no idea with whom they were in conversation with and just as suddenly, in the breaking of the bread, everything becomes clear.
They had seen the Risen Lord and experienced His presence in both Word (the way He explained) and in Sacrament (the communal meal). Jesus’ presence takes away the blindness of their hearts, restores faith and fills them with joy!
The disciples then recounted to the other disciples what happened on the way, until Jesus was made known in the breaking of the bread.
In every Eucharistic celebration, Jesus offers His very life to be shared with everyone. It is the highest sacrifice that one could do, to offer one’s life for the other.
When we allow ourselves to be broken and given to others in love, we do what Jesus did.
They had seen the Risen Lord and experienced His presence in both Word (the way He explained) and in Sacrament (the communal meal). Jesus’ presence takes away the blindness of their hearts, restores faith and fills them with joy!
The disciples then recounted to the other disciples what happened on the way, until Jesus was made known in the breaking of the bread.
In every Eucharistic celebration, Jesus offers His very life to be shared with everyone. It is the highest sacrifice that one could do, to offer one’s life for the other.
When we allow ourselves to be broken and given to others in love, we do what Jesus did.
The celebration of the Mass.
The encounter on the road to Emmaus includes all of the essential elements of the Liturgy: Scripture, prayer, blessing, and the breaking of bread.
The Eucharistic celebration includes: the proclamation of the Word of God; thanksgiving to God the Father for and above all the gift of His Son; the consecration of bread and wine; and participation in the liturgical banquet by receiving the Lord’s body and blood. These elements, constitute a single act of worship.
The encounter on the road to Emmaus includes all of the essential elements of the Liturgy: Scripture, prayer, blessing, and the breaking of bread.
The Eucharistic celebration includes: the proclamation of the Word of God; thanksgiving to God the Father for and above all the gift of His Son; the consecration of bread and wine; and participation in the liturgical banquet by receiving the Lord’s body and blood. These elements, constitute a single act of worship.
We hear readings from Scripture which are explained during the homily (the Liturgy of the Word).
When the priest, presenting the consecrated Host to the faithful, states: “This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, happy are those who are called to his supper.”
Then, we respond with the words of the Roman centurion, who was struck by Christ’s humility: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, "The Holy Eucharist is the gift that Jesus Christ makes of himself, thus revealing to us God's infinite love for every man and woman.”
His Body and Blood Saves us.
“Take, eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26
“Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28
“This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
His Body and Blood Saves us.
“Take, eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26
“Drink of it, all of you; for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28
“This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
“This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
We continue with the blessing of bread which is broken and given to all present (the Liturgy of the Eucharist).
In the breaking of the bread-the Eucharist, Jesus truly manifests Himself to us as He did to the two disciples at Emmaus. We experience Jesus in an intimate encounter.
I pray, Stay with me Jesus.
May our hearts burn within us every time we encounter Christ present in the Eucharist.
The celebration of the mass is an encounter with God.
We learn of God and we understand His love through our parents. We grow strong in a family. And together we grow to understand the strength of God. We come together to worship God as a family in the celebration of the mass.
Breakdown of the bridge (our family) - is a barrier that keeps us away from God.
It’s when we come together at the Breaking of Bread, the Breaking of Christ Body in the celebration of the Mass, that we are strengthened, that marriages no matter however problematic, make it through, with the strength we are fed with. When we remember, this that Christ breaks Himself for us, we will remember we are forever Redeemed. And NOTHING WILL EVER HOLD US BACK.
Breakdown of the bridge (our family) - is a barrier that keeps us away from God.
It’s when we come together at the Breaking of Bread, the Breaking of Christ Body in the celebration of the Mass, that we are strengthened, that marriages no matter however problematic, make it through, with the strength we are fed with. When we remember, this that Christ breaks Himself for us, we will remember we are forever Redeemed. And NOTHING WILL EVER HOLD US BACK.
John 14:26 - "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
The unforgettable walk to Emmaus.
The unforgettable walk to the Holy Eucharist.
The unforgettable walk to the Holy Eucharist.
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