Word to the Wise
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 - Octave of Easter - Wed
[Acts 3:1-10 and Luke 24:13-35]"Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them what referred to him in all the Scriptures. As they approached the village to which they were going, he gave the impression that he was going on farther. But they urged him, 'Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.' So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him.....
To truly understand the power and significance of the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, I recommend reading the entire twenty-fourth chapter of the Gospel of Luke. Scripture scholars have shown this chapter to be a very skillful composite of three stories that have a common theme: Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise! The faithful women at the beginning of the chapter (Luke's gospel prominently features faithful women) are reminded that Jesus had warned them of his death and resurrection. The disciples on the road to Emmaus are reminded that what happened to Jesus was in keeping with the promises in the scriptures. Then, the apostles are reminded of the words of scripture and their minds are opened to understanding. In each of these three encounters, those who are reminded then go and tell others. In the case of the apostles, this would occur with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. (The Acts of the Apostles is really "volume two" of the Gospel of Luke.)
The story of the two disciples on the road, however, has its own appeal, especially given the shock and disillusionment and disappointment that they admit to. Their faith has been shaken and their hopes crushed. It takes a powerful revelation to reverse that kind of feeling. Jesus accomplishes this in the way he opens the scriptures and breaks the bread. Their plea to "the stranger" is "Stay with us!" Indeed, that is the plea of all of us in faith. Jesus does indeed stay with us in the scriptures and in the breaking of the bread. We, in turn, must go and proclaim his presence. The Spirit he promised to send will also accompany us. The message remains the same: Christ is risen! Alleluia! AMEN