RBWords

     If we reflect on the story of the encounter between the Risen Jesus and the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we recognize the fundamental elements of the celebration of the Eucharist: "Gather the people.  Tell the story.  Break the bread."  The Gospel of Luke was written several decades after the events it describes.  By then the Christian community had begun to develop its characteristic way of worship to carry out the Lord's command, "Do this in remembrance of me."  It is possible that Luke took the story of these two disciples and interpreted it in terms of subsequent experience, but that does not take away from the beauty of the scene.  The sadness and discouragement of the disciples, Jesus' teaching them the scriptures about himself (although they did not recognize him at the moment), their plea to him (Stay with us!), and their recognition of him in the breaking of the bread - all these elements bring together not only the experience then, but our experience now.

     It is not easy in a parish liturgy setting to capture the intimacy of the experience on the road to Emmaus.  We can become distracted by so many things and also feel like we are lost in the crowd.  The disciples go and announce the news of Jesus' resurrection to the Twelve.  We are not accustomed to preaching to our bishops!  Christ is truly present when we gather, when we hear his word and when together we break the bread.  If we can share that much with others, we will take the first steps toward being "missionary disciples."  AMEN