Once again , the Lord in His Resurrected Body wasn’t recognized by the two disciples on that road to Emmaus. Yes, they were traveling AWAY from Jerusalem, back into their lives as they were before their encounter with jesus. But there is no going back…

Jesus approaches them and he rains a stranger to them. He questions them about why they seem sad and defeated and they explain to jesus what happened to HIM!!! Obviously, they did not recognize Jesus until…

He explains the scriptures to them, about the messiah and what had been prophesied about his fate of suffering and death. Jesus was unearthing the soil of their hearts, preparing them for an experience that would completely turn their lives around. They asked him to come into their homes and stay with them to eat supper. At the table , Jesus blessed they bread , breaks it and…they FINALLY recognize Jesus in the “breaking of the bread.” It is then, once they recognize Him, that He vanishes from their sight, leaving them to wonder why their hearts weren’t on fire as they walked with Jesus. 

And they return back to Jerusalem to spread the Good News. Jesus reoriented their lives to embrace the power of the Resuurection, not run away from it. There is no turning back. We must keep moving forward in life and not attempt to run away from challenges. The disciples couldn’t just return back to their home village as if nothing had changed. Everything had changed !!! Their worlds were changed forever by their encounter with Christ as he walked with them on the road… As he entered their homes.,. as he explained the story of the Scriptures… As he broke bread… 

They “turn around” and go BACK  to the city where it all started to announce the “good news” about what happened to them. But without their encounter with Jesus, they would have no reason to go back , since they would have nothing to share. 

How do you encounter Jesus in your life? Do you have a relationship with the Risen Lord that gives your life meaning ? 

Peace. Fr. Frank